PHILADELPHIA — The Sixers hosted the Pelicans in Philadelphia Saturday night as they honored the 2000-2001 Eastern Conference Champion team led by Allen Iverson.
In a far closer matchup than many expected heading into the night, the Sixers held onto the win, thanks to the combined efforts of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre.
Joel Embiid was locked in early for his battle against Pelicans rookie Derik Queen. While reflecting on the many stars he's been able to match up against early this season, Queen mentioned Embiid by name as a player he was looking forward to matching up with.
After the first quarter of action, Queen learned the experience would not be as fun as he initially thought, as Embiid scored six quick points and had 23 at the half before finishing with 40 points, along with 11 rebounds and four assists.
In Paul George's absence, Kelly Oubre stepped up in a big way, particularly on the offensive end and on the boards. With 19 points and 10 rebounds, Oubre was the quiet, steady force he often is, helping the Sixers to a 124-114 victory.
Jared McCain has another strong performance, his third in his last four, an extremely welcome sign as he will be one of the players relied upon in the absence of Paul George.
McCain sank four of his six attempted three-pointers, serving a much-needed role for Philadelphia, stretching the floor in a way that few others have been able to as of late.
The Sixers' second-year guard will need to continue consistently producing like this to curry head coach Nick Nurse's favor on a more permanent basis, but he continues to do the right things in the moment.
With all love and respect to Adem Bona, who has had a strong season for the Sixers so far, my goodness.
Twice, Bona found himself on a wide-open break. Twice, Bona provided a play worthy of the "not top-10," if that segment is even still around.
The Sixers have now gone one game through Paul George's 25-game suspension. The early results? Not strong.
Philadelphia defenders were seemingly allowing Pelicans wings Saddiq Bey and Trey Murphy III to score at will. George had played a pivotal role defensively for the Sixers all season, and in his absence, the team as a whole failed to step up.
Third-quarter struggles continue to plague the Sixers. Embiid had two turnovers and zero points in the quarter, playing nearly seven minutes. As a team, the Sixers went multiple-minute-plus stretches without scoring a single point.
While Philadelphia still led by six entering the fourth, losing the third 27-20, especially against this Pelicans team, is inexcusable.
Philadelphia now heads on the road for a West Coast road trip, starting with a Monday matchup against James Harden and the LA Clippers.
Get ready for some late-night Sixers fun as tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. EST.
