Bold opening: Without their star, the 76ers stumble again, letting a late lead slip away and dropping a third straight game. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Philadelphia’s depth being exposed, or is this just a blip with Embiid sidelined? Let’s break down the game and the bigger picture.
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 117-107 Thursday night, in a matchup that marked the teams’ first after the All-Star break. Jalen Johnson led the Hawks with 32 points and 10 rebounds, while CJ McCollum added 23 points. Dyson Daniels contributed 15 points, Nickeil Alexander-Walker had 14, and Zaccharie Risacher and Jock Landale added 10 apiece, helping Atlanta halt a three-game skid and secure a 3-0 edge over Philadelphia this season.
For Philadelphia, Tyrese Maxey scored 28 points and Rising Stars MVP VJ Edgecombe chipped in 20. The Sixers were paced by Kelly Oubre Jr., who finished with 17, and Andre Drummond, who had a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. Philadelphia squandered an 11-point deficit with about six minutes left but rallied to pull within 108-104 with under three minutes to go. Atlanta then closed the game with a 9-3 run, fueled by five points from Johnson, who also shot 14 for 16 from the free-throw line.
Embiid was sidelined due to soreness in his right shin, an issue he’s managing while in the knee-injury protocol during the break. The team has kept Embiid on a daily treatment and on-court progression plan, with strength and conditioning work continuing. Coach Nick Nurse indicated the plan was to get Embiid back on the floor Friday and evaluate his condition, adding that he doesn’t expect the absence to be prolonged. On the season, Embiid is averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over 31 games.
Key takeaways and implications:
- The Sixers will likely lean on Embiid’s return to stabilize offense and interior defense after this stretch. But the winless stretch for Philadelphia underscores the need for reliable secondary scoring and better late-game execution when their star sits.
- Atlanta’s balanced contributions, plus clutch free-throw shooting from Johnson, highlight how the Hawks can win even when some starters aren’t carrying the load. This raises questions about consistency and the ceiling of Philadelphia’s roster without Embiid.
- The upcoming schedule tests both teams: Hawks host the Miami Heat on Friday, while the 76ers travel to New Orleans to face the Pelicans on Saturday. The outcomes could influence early-season momentum and playoff positioning.
Controversial thought to ponder: Should a team built around a high-usage star be able to survive extended absences more smoothly, or is Embiid’s absence a clear reminder that top-tier teams still need dependable alternatives when the big player sits? Share your take in the comments: is this a temporary setback, or a warning about durability and depth for Philadelphia?
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