The Sixers picked up arguably their best win of the season with a 113-104 rally at the World Champion Warriors. While Golden State was playing without All-Star Klay Thompson due to illness, the Warriors still feature four other perennial All-Stars. This was a big time victory for a 76ers team that's proving to stand toe-to-toe with their opponents in the middle of their daunting 12-game stretch, which they're now 5-2 during.
Here are observations from win No. 34.
Simmons shined on the night he was named an All-Star
Make no mistake, Ben Simmons was the story of this game. About three hours prior, it was announced he made his first All-Star Game as a reserve, which was well deserved.
Simmons followed that news with 26 points on 10-of-13 from the floor, including eight rebounds, six assists and outstanding defense. He blocked a Stephen Curry three-point attempt in the final minutes. Simmons also made a couple of highlight reel plays, with one being a tip pass to a running Jimmy Butler in the third and a behind the back pass to Butler in the fourth, both resulting in points for the 76ers.
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Brett Brown said this might've been Simmons best NBA game, and I couldn't agree more with the Sixers head coach.
Embiid is a beast even when he has a "bad game"
Joel Embiid told NBC Sports Philadelphia's Serena Winters after the final horn that he had a "bad game." He scored 26 points on eight-of-24 from the floor and committed a team high eight turnovers. But, Embiid also grabbed 20 rebounds and was 10-of-12 from the foul line.
I'll respectfully disagree with Mr. Embiid. He played just fine despite his understandably high standards.
Defense, defense, defense
The Sixers success this season will be mostly determined upon how they play defensively. The Warriors scored 60 points by halftime, including 35 in the first quarter, but only 44 after the break. The Sixers outscored Golden State 42-26 in the third quarter and held them to 18 points in the fourth. Only Curry and Kevin Durant made a three-pointer for the Warriors. That is simply outstanding even if Thompson wasn't on the floor.
Credit the Sixers bench
It's no secret the 76ers need to improve their depth before the postseason, but credit should be given when deserved. The Sixers bench outplayed the Warriors reserves 31-16 with Landry Shamet scoring 10 points and Jonah Bolden eight. Those rookies gave the Sixers some valuable minutes Thursday night.
Sixers wanted this game more
After the 76ers slow start in the first quarter, it was fairly evident the Sixers wanted this game more than the Warriors, especially in the second half.
If these teams played in a seven game series, I'd take the Warriors in a heartbeat. But, the 76ers are trying to show they belong amongst the NBA elite. The Warriors won three of the past for NBA Championships. It appeared Thursday was just another night at the office for them.
That being said, Golden State certainly didn't go away quietly in the closing moments. The Sixers certainly needed to hold them off. However, they were in the position to hold a lead down the stretch because of their defense and effort.
