The 76ers defeat the Hornets in overtime, and what did Embiid do that was so historical?
By Justin Batiste
Last night was a battle between two stars in the NBA. Charlotte Hornets, guard, Kemba Walker and Philadelphia 76ers, center, Joel Embiid went at each other the entire 4thquarter and overtime. As of now the 76ers are seeded 3rdin the east and the Hornets are seeded 7th.
The 76ers dominated the Hornets in the first three quarters of play, leading by as many as 21 points, but mid-way into the fourth, Walker found his rhythm after basically being nonexistent in the first three quarters. Walker finished the game with 30 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds.
As for Embiid, he had a historical night by being the first 76ers player with at least 40 points and 18 rebounds in a game since Charles Barkley in 1990. Embiid finished the game with 42 points and 18 rebounds. Embiid’s stat line was impressive, but his free throw stat line was just as impressive. Embiid shot 19 for 22 from the free throw line in last nights game. The fact that Embiid shot 22 free throws and made 19 was impressive, but also, it’s the timing of when Embiid shot and made most of his free throws that was most impressive, which was mainly in the fourth. When Embiid was needed he delivered.
Embiid did an excellent job of applying pressure to the Hornets defense in the fourth, but also his teammates did an efficient job of getting the ball to their big man. Time and time again Embiid found his self at the foul line in the fourth, Embiid even managed to make a gigantic three that was heavily contested to tie the game up at 117 a piece.
In overtime, Embiid continued his dominant play, but Ben Simmons also pitched in with a couple of layups and J.J Redick made a mid-range jumper that was needed. Simmons nearly had a triple double, finishing the game with 22 points, 13 assist and 8 rebound. Forward, Robert Covington had an impact on the game making his presence known with his defensive play. Covington found a way to get his hands on the ball, preventing easy layups for the Hornets.
Giving up a 21 point lead is a point to bring up for Brett Brown, however, the 76ers still found a way to win, and at the end of the day a win is a win. The 76ers (8-5) will play the Grizzlies (6-4) today at 8:00 PM eastern time, and the Hornets (6-6) will play the Pistons (6-5) tomorrow, at 3:30 PM eastern time.
