Sweet sweet revenge

   It's not that the Sixers and the Clippers have a rivalry, but they definitely have a lot of ties. Maybe it's the fact that their coach, Tyronn Lue, was the one AI iconically stepped over. Maybe it's the fact that Kawhi Leonard's buzzer beater was the one that sent Philadelphia home in the 2019 conference semifinals. Or maybe...(or definitely) its James Harden. 

    Not many Sixers fans like James Harden. He forced his way out of a city who loved him and was inconsistent during the playoffs. Sounds a little like Ben Simmons. Who likes Ben Simmons?! So when the Sixers paid a visit to L.A., everyone could only hope for a beatdown of Harden. 

     And that's what they got. 

Harden couldn't beat his old team

Photo Credit: Liberty Ballers

     The Clipper never led at all in the game on Monday. They tied, and made it scary in the third quarter, but a hungry Sixers team was to difficult for L.A. Whenever the Clippers would get close, Buddy Hield or Kelly oubre was always there with a three or a clutch bucket. Tobias Harris was nearly unstoppable with his mid-range shots and Tyrese Maxey was unleashed. 

      Harris and Maxey both finished with 24 points. Cam Payne added 23 and Oubre had 12. Oubre had a beautiful block on Paul George. In transition, George was preparing for a big dunk when Oubre rushed up behind him to thwack the ball away. Maxey also dished six assists, and Paul Reed grabbed eight rebounds. No Clipper got over 20 points. 

      Despite being a massive revenge game for the 76ers, it also gives them more breathing room. Although goin to the play-in tournament wouldn't be the end if the world, especially with Embiid back, escaping it would be better. Every game matters now, as it will be a dogfight for that sixth spot. 

The above photo was taken from a Liberty Ballers article. Photo taken by Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. Image used for commentary.  https://www.libertyballers.com/2024/3/27/24112782/philadelphia-76ers-sixers-go-for-weekly-and-season-sweep-of-los-angeles-clippers-nba