The 76ers’ preseason came and went in a flash, and the squad went undefeated.
After beating the Celtics, 108-99 Tuesday, the Sixers grabbed a 113-107 road win in Indiana Friday.
In the absence of Joel Embiid (non-COVID illness) the Sixers’ bench came up big, outscoring the Pacers’ bench, 67-33.
Key Contributors:
Dwight Howard
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Stepping into the starting lineup for Embiid, Howard shot a perfect 7-for-7 from the field, finishing with 14 points and four rebounds.
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Doc Rivers offered the 16-year veteran praise postgame:
“He’s probably in better shape than everybody, on both teams.”
Ben Simmons
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Simmons neared a double-double, finishing with nine points and eight assists, along with five rebounds and two blocks, while shooting 4-for-6 from the floor.
Shake Milton
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For the second time in as many games, Milton led the Sixers in scoring, finishing with 15 points, five assists, and three rebounds.
Listen to a recap of the game on the 76ers Podcast Network
Mike Scott
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Scott has taken advantage of his second chance to play for Doc Rivers, after a brief overlap in Los Angeles prior to Scott’s move to Philadelphia. Scott finished with 12 points and five rebounds, including four 3-pointers (4-6 3PT).
Tony Bradley
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Bradley stepped into a relief role Friday, backing up Howard in the post. Bradley played a strong 19 minute outing, finishing with seven points and six rebounds (and a game-high +29).
Tyrese Maxey
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The rookie had another strong showing, finishing with 11 points, five rebounds, and an assist. He shot 4-for-7 from the floor in his 17 minutes.
Quote to Note:
Dwight Howard takes backing up Joel Embiid very seriously:
@Sixers Social:
Never enough Shake Milton content.
Up Next:
The Sixers’ 2020-21 season officially begins Wednesday, hosting the Washington Wizards at The Center.
The Wizards will also open their season Wednesday, marking Russell Westbrook’s official debut with Washington. Westbrook joins fellow All-Star Bradley Beal after the Wizards and Rockets swapped Westbrook for John Wall earlier this month.