Joel Embiid is amazing but the 76ers still have a way to go

     The team was struggling, following a three game losing streak. They did not handle Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs well, and they didn't play Ja Morant and the Grizzlies well either. They couldn't even control the Rockets! And the reason I didn't associate a name with the Houston Rockets, is because Houston   doesn't really have any have any big name players. Their leading scorer is Jalen Green, who is averaging 21.3 points per game. The Rockets were 6-17 at the time. The 76ers looked like they were dwindling and losing their fire. Joel Embiid was still chugging along quietly in his usual way, having 35 points vs Memphis and 39 vs Houston, but the 76ers were getting out-rebounded, out-stolen, and out-scored consistently against teams they should have beat. 

    It took overtime, but Embiid and De'Anthony Melton took over King James, Anthony Davis, and the Los Angeles Lakers. De'Anthony Melton drained threes (eight of them, to be precise) and had seven steals. He finished with 33 points on the day. Embiid dropped 38 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. James Harden also finished with 12 assists and 28 points. Even Matisse Thybulle had nine points three steals and a trey.

Embiid dominated

Photo Credit: The Philadelphia Inquirer

    The game was full of crashing dunks, brilliant passes, and exceptional action. However, the game probably won't be remembered for Anthony Davis's 31 points and 12 rebounds. It won't be remembered for Russel Westbrook's triple double, and it won't even be remembered for James Harden's amazing three pointer: (https://youtube.com/clip/Ugkx63sjim2uJ1u7cXXcRPHchHkB97U-wD6R). Truth be told, the game will be remembered for a constant offensive battle between two offensive teams. The Sixers crumbled in the final minutes, but were lucky because the Lakers didn't really take advantage. Austin Reaves and Anthony Davis both missed clutch free throws that would have handed the Lakers the game. During the game, Los Angeles kept it close, but in extra time, the 76ers took it over. It was tied heading into overtime, but Philly scored 13 points compared to the Laker's two, and the game finished 133-122. 

    The Lakers are not a great team, but they are a solid team. Having LeBron James, Russel Westbrook, and Anthony Davis on your team is a great way to win. It was a terrible finish, but the Sixers showed that they are capable of winning against good teams, but they are stuck with a 13-12 record and have had some pretty rocky games. They can take a jump in the standings however, as their next six games are at home. 

The above photo was taken from a Philadelphia Inquirer article. Article written by Dan Gelston. Photo taken by Matt Slocum/AP photo. Image used for commentary.