STAR OF THE WEEK:
Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers’ center Joel Embiid is this week’s star. The first time All-Star returned from the break ready to lead the young Philly group. As the big man continues to defy the laws of attrition and post big time numbers, the Sixers continue to roll. Chicago Bulls’ reserve center Bobby Portis played the game of his life, offensively, but struggled mightily against Embiid on the defensive end. Portis scored a game high 38-points, but it was Embiid’s 30-points and 13-rebounds that would prove insurmountable as Philly took the game 116 – 115. Philadelphia returned home for a match-up against the lowly Orlando Magic. For the second straight game the Sixers scored 116 points, and for the seventh straight time Philly was victorious 116 – 105. Once again the catalyst was Embiid, who torched the Magic to the tune of 28-points and 14-rebounds. The upcoming week will be a tough road to tow for the 76ers, with four games in seven nights. Making matters worse all four teams are in playoff contention, and three of those squads are above the .500 mark. There is no time like the present for the young All-Star to announce his Eastern Conference presence with authority. STAT OF THE WEEK:
Seven-Up
Philadelphia has won seven straight games and eight of their last nine, which gives them the 3rd best record (8 – 1) in the month of February. Scoring is not how the 76ers amassed such an impressive February record, as they currently are 10th in field goal percentage (47.7), 12th in three-point field goal percentage (37.5), 13th in made field goals, and 15th in points per game with 107.3 per. All season ball movement has been key to Philly’s success, and even mediocre scoring results could not stifle those results as Philadelphia remains 5th in assists (26.9) during this impressive run. On the opposite end of the court is where this young group has excelled. Philly ranked 1st in opponent made field goals (36.6), 1st in opponent field goal percentage (42.2), 1st in defensive rating (98.4), 2nd in opponent points with 99.2 per, 3rd in opponent fastbreak points (8.9), and 4th in steals per with 8.8. Losing big leads was commonplace early in the season, however now it appears the Sixers have exercised those demons. Learning how to close out games was the next and necessary step, if this group wanted to become playoff particptors, and now the team seems to have taken care of that issue. Newcomer Marco Belinelli leads the team in fourth quarter points at 7.3, minutes at 9.7 and field goal percentage despite only playing in three games. BEN SIMMONS VS. EVERYBODY
Ben Simmons is once again top rookie for the week. The Philadelphia 76er shot an astounding 69 percent from the field in leading the Sixers to an undefeated week. Simmons’ best performance came in a 116 – 115 win in Chicago playing against the Bulls. The first year point forward dropped 32-points, dished out 11-assists and snatched seven boards. For the week Simmons averaged 24.5 points, nine assists and five rebounds.
Here are some of the other top rookie performers for the week: ANSWERING THE CALL – A.I.’s ROOKIE YEAR
It has been exactly 20 seasons since Hall-of-Fame guard Allen Iverson first blessed the NBA hardwood and ignited the city of Philadelphia. From the moment the Virginia native donned a Philadelphia 76ers uniform fans everywhere had a feeling Iverson was special and their basketball prayers were finally answered.
The organization struggled mightily through five consecutive losing seasons before selecting the six foot powerhouse out of Georgetown, first overall. It appears the franchise has found another transcendent player, in first year “guard” Ben Simmons. Oddly enough this year’s prized rookie guard hits the court after yet another five consecutive losing seasons. As spectators enjoy the greatness and infancy stages of Simmons’ career, it is hard to forget the last time Philly had something (or someone) this special to root for. Therefore, while we partake in the now it is impossible to not reminisce the before.
On and Off
Allen Iverson shot 5-for-11 in a 104 – 100 win versus the woeful Vancouver Grizzlies, as the rookie’s season of extremes continued. Scoring became Iverson’s calling card throughout his NBA career, but points did not equate to wins. Dropping seven assists and managing only three turnovers is how the guard proved his worth in this victory. Just a few nights later in Portland a more efficient A.I. could not protect his troops from a 112 – 95 shellacking by the Trail Blazers. On most occasions a productive Iverson led to a win for Philadelphia, but this was not one of those occasions. The third quarter was the deciding quarter as Portland outscored the Sixers 35 – 20 in the quarter. Despite Allen’s inconsistent play the first overall pick was learning how to navigate through the season’s waters and it would not be long before he would change his season’s tides. TWEET OF THE WEEK:
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STAR OF THE WEEK:
Dario Saric is this week’s star. The “Homie” continues to establish himself as one of the league’s most consistent players. The forward’s productive week of action also includes a strong output in the 2018 Rising Stars game.
Saric opened the week with a 24-point performance, defeating the New York Knicks 108 – 92. The 6’10 Croatian went 4-for-6 from three in the win and followed that sharpshooting game with a 19-point yeoman effort in a 104 – 102 win against the Miami Heat. Finishing the week 2 – 0 and averaging 21.5 points while shooting 50-percent from the arc was just the tip of the iceberg for Dario. The Rising Stars Challenge presented an opportunity for Saric to display his athletic ability, and he did not disappoint. The 76er starter dropped 18-points and retained his hot hand from deep, finishing 4-for-7. The upcoming week will feature a road contest in Chicago versus the Bulls and a home match-up against the Orlando Magic. Dario has been efficient against both opponents in his brief two year career, shooting .507 percent in six games against the Bulls and .525 percent in five games against the Magic. STAT OF THE WEEK:
Two Hype
Philadelphia headed into the All-Star break in the midst of a five game winning streak, while playing some of their best basketball of the year. Despite Philadelphia’s success their statistical production was sporadic. The 76ers finished 4th in rebounding with 48.5 and 7th in assists (26.0) continuing their pattern of consistency in those two facets of the game. Shooting is where their numbers began to jump out of the top ten, finishing 13th in field goal percentage (47.9), 18th in three-point field goal percentage (35.2) and 19th in points per game at 106.0 as well as in made three pointers. Defensively is where this group flourished. Beginning with the Sixers finishing 1st in opponents points per (97.0), 1st in defensive rating at 96.5, 1st in steals (9.5), 2nd in opponent field goal percentage (42.3), 3rd in opponent fastbreak points (6.5), 5th in opponents points in the paint, and 8th in opponent three-point field goal percentage (33.3). Philly’s defensive effort was spirited all week and the hope is their focus will carryover after the break. BEN SIMMONS VS. EVERYBODY
Ben Simmons returns as the top rookie for the week. The Philadelphia 76ers first year point forward continues to build his case for Rookie of the Year. Simmons led the 76ers to a 2 – 0 record for the week and fought off the distractions of the upcoming break. For the week Simmons averaged 15.5 points on 60.9 percent shooting, along with 9.0 rebounds, 8.0 assists, 4.0 steals and 1.5 blocks. The output was highlighted by the 6’10 star’s sixth triple-double of the year, an 18-point, 12-rebound and 10-assist 104 – 102 comeback win against the Miami Heat
Here are some of the other top rookie performers for the week: ANSWERING THE CALL – A.I.’s ROOKIE YEAR
It has been exactly 20 seasons since Hall-of-Fame guard Allen Iverson first blessed the NBA hardwood and ignited the city of Philadelphia. From the moment the Virginia native donned a Philadelphia 76ers uniform fans everywhere had a feeling Iverson was special and their basketball prayers were finally answered.
The organization struggled mightily through five consecutive losing seasons before selecting the six foot powerhouse out of Georgetown, first overall. It appears the franchise has found another transcendent player, in first year “guard” Ben Simmons. Oddly enough this year’s prized rookie guard hits the court after yet another five consecutive losing seasons. As spectators enjoy the greatness and infancy stages of Simmons’ career, it is hard to forget the last time Philly had something (or someone) this special to root for. Therefore, while we partake in the now it is impossible to not reminisce the before.
A Bad Answer
The season of extremes continued for Philadelphia 76ers’ rookie guard Allen Iverson, after winning back-to-back games Philly returned to its losing ways. Philadelphia kicked off a four game road trip with two loses. Iverson struggled in both contests. A 98 – 93 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers marked Philly’s 40th loss of the season. The rookie sensation shot 6-for-18 in L.A. and the Sixers would trail throughout. Los Angeles’ 13-point difficulties were nothing compared to the 8-point tragedy that took place the very next night in Phoenix. The Suns held the guard to 3-for-15 shooting in a 111 – 104 drubbing. Three straight games of sub. .500 shooting could not stop a determined Iverson. The point guard continued to go full throttle even if his effort did not translate to wins. TWEET OF THE WEEK:
STAR OF THE WEEK:
Joel Embiid
It was an amazingly productive week for the third pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Joel Embiid once again proved that health is the only true adversary capable of stopping the center, as he grabbed this week’s star. The big man averaged 26.7 points, 15.0 boards and 2.3 blocks leading Philly to a 3 – 0 week. Embiid’s week of dominance began with a 27-point, 13-rebound output in a 115 – 102 home win against the Washington Wizards. Three nights later the newly crowned All-Star grabbed 16-rebounds (tying his career high) and dropped 24-points in a 100 – 82 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans. Next up were the Los Angeles Clippers and high scoring guard Lou Williams. The 76ers again received a strong rebounding effort from “the Process”, who snatched 16-rebounds and scored 29-points in a 112 – 98 W. All three of Philly’s wins were by 10 or more points, and it was the fourth time this season the 76ers have won three or more consecutive games. The young group also managed for just the second time this year to win three straight against teams with a winning record. One cannot overlook the presence and attendance of Embiid. Two more games remain before the All-Star break, a home contest against the reeling 23 – 33 New York Knicks. New York is 2 – 8 in their last 10 games and are a far cry from the playoff contending team we witnessed early in the season. Finishing up the pre-break schedule is the Miami Heat, who have gone 3 – 7 in their last 10. Playoff positioning and conference wins are paramount as the second half of the season commences. The Heat sit just two games ahead of Philly and will be looking to hold off the young guns. STAT OF THE WEEK:
Double Time
The week of blowouts began with a shellacking of the Washington Wizards and carried all the way through the seven day period. This week’s numbers reflect just how dominant Philly was against three playoff contenders. The 76ers were 2nd in rebounding with 49.3, 2nd in assists (28.3), 3rd in three-point field goal percentage (43.2) 4th in made threes (13.7), 7th in made field goals (42.3), and 9th in field goal percentage at 47.9. A week of futility was all Philadelphia needed to return to their core staples of rebounding and ball movement. Defensively the group went from 5th in defensive rating to 2nd, dropping from 103.5 to 91.8. The Sixers snatched 10.3 steals per, good for 3rd in the league. Overall Philly was 2nd in opponent field goal percentage at 40.6 percent, 2nd in opponent points per game at 94.0, 3rd in opponent three-point percentage (25.6), 5th in opponent fastbreak points (8.3), and 6th in opponent made field goals (37.3). Philly’s defensive effort was spirited all week and the hope is their focus will carryover after the break. BEN SIMMONS VS. EVERYBODY
Josh Jackson of the Phoenix Suns was the week’s best rookie. The 4th overall pick in last year’s draft has come on strong of late. Jackson’s biggest scoring output came in a 115 – 110 loss to the Charlotte Hornets. The rookie scored nine of the Suns’ 16 fourth quarter points, and a game high 23-points in the loss. For the week Jackson averaged 18.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.
Here are some of the other top rookie performers for the week: ANSWERING THE CALL - A.I.'S ROOKIE YEAR
It has been exactly 20 seasons since Hall-of-Fame guard Allen Iverson first blessed the NBA hardwood and ignited the city of Philadelphia. From the moment the Virginia native donned a Philadelphia 76ers uniform fans everywhere had a feeling Iverson was special and their basketball prayers were finally answered.
The organization struggled mightily through five consecutive losing seasons before selecting the six foot powerhouse out of Georgetown, first overall. It appears the franchise has found another transcendent player, in first year “guard” Ben Simmons. Oddly enough this year’s prized rookie guard hits the court after yet another five consecutive losing seasons. As spectators enjoy the greatness and infancy stages of Simmons’ career, it is hard to forget the last time Philly had something (or someone) this special to root for. So while we partake in the now, it is impossible to not reminisce the before.
A Winning Pair
The wins were few and far between in A.I.’s rookie year, but when the victories did arrive they came in pairs. Before the Sixers’ embarked on back-to-back wins they first had to endure a scorching by the Miami Heat. Led by Tim Hardaway and his 29-points, the Heat obliterated the 76ers 111 – 83. The 76ers’ rookie continued to struggle against the Pat Riley coached club continued, shooting 2-for-13 and finishing the evening with 10-points. Miami proved to be Iverson’s toughest challenge holding the guard to 10.3 points per contest on 16-percent shooting. No. 3’s inaugural year was a smorgasbord of peaks and valleys. After opening the three game span with a steep valley, the dynamic guard responded with back-to-back victories. Philly’s newest star scored a game high 24-points and handed out a game high 13-assists in a 101 – 84 drubbing of the Los Angeles Clippers. Allen dropped his second straight double-double (18-points, 12-rebounds) in a 97 – 80 win against Rasheed Wallace and the Portland Trail Blazers. Electricity was beginning to permeate throughout the city and Iverson was the sole reason why. TWEET OF THE WEEK:
STAR OF THE WEEK:
Ben Simmons
This week’s star goes to Ben Simmons. The rookie was a bright spot in what was an otherwise dismal week for the 76ers. The 6'10 point forward played well despite Philadelphia going 1 – 4 in the seven day span. Simmons scored a game high 20-points in Philly’s lone win of the week, a 103 – 97 victory over the Miami Heat. A 100 – 92 loss to the Indiana Pacers served as the only true abysmal performance for the point forward. The 4-for-13 output did not interrupt a 60-percent shooting stretch from the field and 18.4 points with six rebounds. Simmons’ most impressive performance of the week came in defeat. On the road in Brooklyn, the Nets outdueled Philly 116 – 108, but not before January’s Rookie of the Month dropped 24-points, on 11-for-16 shooting. The upcoming schedule brings the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Clippers to town. Both the Wizards and Pelicans have felt Simmons’ offensive wrath in their previous contests. Philadelphia is 1 – 1 versus Washington with the first year star averaging 24.5 points and 14.0 rebounds in those two games. New Orleans witnessed a 27-point, 10-assist explosion in 131 – 121 Philly loss. Hopefully, the pup can duplicate that precision. STAT OF THE WEEK:
A Painful Week
It was not a good week for Philadelphia, plain and simple. The numbers reflected the struggles of the seven day span with the 76ers finishing 19th in field goal percentage (45.6), 26th in points per game at 102.0 and 27th in three-point field percentage (29.5). Even the team’s staples of rebounding and assists took a nose dive. The Sixers dropped to 24th in assists per (21.4) and 25th in rebounds per with 40.8 for the week. Defensively the group went from 5th in defensive rating to 4th, however they dropped (or rose) from 99.0 per to 103.5. Philly finished 12th in opponent made field goals (38.2), 14th in opponent field goal percentage (46.0) and 15th in opponent points per game at 108.4. Philadelphia was the only team in the NBA to have five games in a seven days, therefore it should shock no one that their four losses were the most in the Association in that timeframe. A statistic that seems to be making its rounds is that center Joel Embiid leads the league in post-ups (10.6), which on its face is quite impressive. Yet, as in everything the devil is in the details. Because of Embiid’s size he rarely receives the rock off a screen or on the move, therefore when the center does get the ball his back is often to the defender. This technically qualifies as a “post-up”, however the big man almost never receives the ball in the painted area. In fact, it is first year point forward Ben Simmons who has the stronger paint presence of the two. Simmons was 7th with points within 10 feet and the seven footer topped out at 34th in the league. The rookie finished 19th in points in the restricted area (4.4), while Embiid was 41st in the league. The numbers were much better with points in the paint. Simmons finished 1st with 3.4 per outing, and the big man ended the week 12th with 2.0 per outing. BEN SIMMONS VS. EVERYBODY
This week’s star goes to Donovan Mitchell. The 13th pick in last year’s draft has overtaken Ben Simmons and all other first year players as the top rookie in the league. The Utah Jazz guard is playing in another stratosphere at a time when most rookies are fizzling out. Mitchell’s best performance of the week came in a 129 – 97 win over the Phoenix Suns, where he torched the Suns for 40-points. This was the second time this season the Jazz star crossed the 40-point plateau. For the week the guard averaged 30.0 points on 61.1 percent shooting, including a scorching 64.3 percent from three, and 5.0 assists.
Here are some of the other top rookie performers for the week: ANSWERING THE CALL – A.I.’s ROOKIE YEAR
It has been exactly 20 seasons since Hall-of-Fame guard Allen Iverson first blessed the NBA hardwood and ignited the city of Philadelphia. From the moment the Virginia native donned a Philadelphia 76ers uniform fans everywhere had a feeling Iverson was special and their basketball prayers were finally answered.
The organization struggled mightily through five consecutive losing seasons before selecting the six foot powerhouse out of Georgetown, first overall. It appears the franchise has found another transcendent player, in first year “guard” Ben Simmons. Oddly enough this year’s prized rookie guard hits the court after yet another five consecutive losing seasons. As spectators enjoy the greatness and infancy stages of Simmons’ career, it is hard to forget the last time Philly had something (or someone) this special to root for. So while we partake in the now, it is impossible to not reminisce the before.
Double Trouble
It was back-to-back wins for just the third time all season, when the Sixers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 113 – 97. Philly led from start to finish behind a potent performance from star rookie guard Allen Iverson. Georgetown University’s most famous alumni had the hot hand throughout going 5-for-8 from three while netting a game high 25-points. The future Rookie of the Year struggled for the next four games, shooting a painful 24-percent. It was no coincidence Philly lost all four of those games. Iverson failed to reach the 20-point mark in three consecutive games for the first time all season. The Sixers were 2 – 15 in games in which A.I. scored 20-points or less up to that point. However, even monster scoring outputs could not save the Sixers from defeat, as fans found out later in the year. TWEET OF THE WEEK:
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