The Sixers held on to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 105-95 Thursday night. Despite leading by as much as 26, sloppy second half play gave the game a tenser feel than it should have had. Joel Embiid dropped 32 points with nine boards and three blocks, and James Harden had a 16-point triple-double. Here are some thoughts at the buzzer.First quarterA good start for the Sixers' offense as Embiid was able to get to his spots early and often. The big fella made four of his first five from the field and sent Jusuf Nurkic to the bench with two fouls. Tyrese Maxey showed James Harden isn't the only one who can work a two-man game with Embiid. Maxey got a couple of jumpers to fall with the pick-and-roll, then showed his versatility with a floater dashing away from Embiid. The Maxey Float. Philadelphia 76ers January 20, 2023It certainly helped that the Trail Blazers got off to a horrendous start. They shot just 27 percent from the field, only scoring 14 points in the first. They nearly matched their turnovers with made field goals as Philly coasted to a 12-point lead. Second QuarterEverything continued to go the Sixers' way Philadelphia 76ers Womens Jerseys, starting with the bench unit. Just about everybody on the floor was able to throw a lob to Montrezl Harrell. Philadelphia 76ers January 20, 2023Maxey's play stood out through this stretch. He went into the half with 13 points on 6-9 shooting. The Blazers are rudderless at the moment, and it showed with their lowest scoring half of the season. As a team, they turned the ball over 11 times. Damian Lillard had four of those himself, and was held to just 4 points on 1-10 shooting. The Sixers took a 23-point lead into the break. Even when the Harden/Embiid pick-and-roll doesn't work Tyrese Maxey Jersey, it works. powering through. Philadelphia 76ers January 20, 2023Third QuarterThe second half begun just as the first did, with James Harden picking apart the Portland defense. Harden only scored 16 points on the night, but he was surgical as a passer, dishing out 14 assists. the all-star connection. :
