Hobbled Joel Embiid’s fourth-quarter layup leads Sixers to dramatic win over Hawks

Well, a win is a win.

The Sixers defeated the Trae Young-less Atlanta Hawks 125-114 in a game that was closer than the final score would indicate.

Despite straining his knee in the fourth quarter, Joel Embiid led the way with 38 points, shooting 12-of-24 from the field and adding 14 rebounds, three assists and four blocks.

Tyrese Maxey had 30 points including a game-tying three-pointer, and De’Anthony Melton had 15 points on a great night inside.

Here are some ideas on melody.

First Quarter

• Just like Wednesday night, Embiid was quick. Although this time, they were facing a team with NBA-class defensemen. While putting up 17 in the first, he was more careful with the ball than he was early Wednesday. He had two assists but no turnovers in the first period.

• Before the game, Nick Nurse said that one area he wants the team to focus on defensively is putting the opposing team at the line of scrimmage. measure. Twice they fouled a shooter behind the three-point line, giving them three points in a row. Needs work, but Philly’s defense looked better to start this one. They seemed to focus more on their assignments, holding the Hawks to less than 40% from the field in the quarter.
• Yes, everything is easy when guns fall from outside. Philly shot 5-of-10 from deep in the first, a stark contrast from their 0-of-13 start in Washington. In fact, the only concern at first was Marcus Morris Sr. still playing ahead of Robert Covington. The Sixers had 12 points after one.

Second Quarter

• It was a tense few minutes to start the second without Embiid on the floor. Paul Reed plays well, especially in the short games, but he didn’t feel like it tonight. He was turned over three times trying to turn the touch posts in and beaten twice with a pick-and-roll.
• It was a typical first half from Maxey as he came alive in the second quarter after scoring just one point in the first – although it was his reading and passing that stood out the most. . He went into the break with five assists but no turnovers.

• The Hawks absolutely crushed Philly on the glass this quarter, which is why they were able to shut down the best. They had eight rebounds and 12 more shots. That constant offense not only saw the Sixers score, but the Hawks went up by six at the half.

Third Quarter

• It was a typical start to the second half, as Philly’s comeback attempt was nearly fueled by Embiid. He scored 10 of the team’s first 14 points of the quarter while holding down the fort defensively.

• It may never be his strong suit, but De’Anthony Melton has shown some improvement in finishing with the chin over the past two games. There was a couple of difficult transitions during a small game. He may not look like Kyrie Irving running around defenders but he is better at preparing and receiving contact.
• The Sixers’ defense didn’t go overboard in the third, but at least they finished. They were outplayed in the quarter, but they got enough back to not be a ridiculous margin. Thanks to Kelly Oubre Jr.’s rebound, the Sixers clung to one point heading into the fourth.

Fourth Quarter

• Nick Nurse was not happy with what he saw from Reed in the first half, as he went to Mo Bamba to start the quarter. Despite the added height, he has no more luck keeping Onyeka Okongwu off the glass than the rest of the team. Atlanta got five rebounds, which helped them stay ahead for most of the fourth.
• Embiid appeared to slip and stretch his left knee on a drive midway through the quarter. He didn’t come out of the game but it seemed to bother him a bit. How serious it will be and how it will affect him going forward will definitely be watched.
• It looks like it’s going to be one of those nights where Embiid needs them on the finish line. They didn’t grow anything if it didn’t start with him. The Hawks forced another man to beat them with a minute and a half left by doubling Embiid and not allowing him a touchdown. Philly finally swung around and Maxey buried a three that turned out to be a sword.

• The Sixers will be at home for their next game as they face the Washington Wizards on Monday at 7 p.m.

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