Sixers Bell Ringer: Late-game comeback not quite enough in loss to Wolves

Sixers Regular season Berlinger standings:

Joel Embiid – 6
James Harden – 4
Tyrese Maxie – 3
Tobias Harris – 1
Georges Nyan – 1

The Philadelphia 76ers, who are facing a slew of injuries, are ready to hold an open casting call to help fill out their roster. Playing back-to-back with a well-rested Minnesota Timberwolves team, the Sixers missed three starters in the first half, giving up runs of 13-1 and 16-2, trailing by 20. was not surprising. point.

But to their great credit, the Sixers never waved the white flag and cut the Wolves’ lead to just one point with less than 30 seconds remaining. De’Anthony Melton even had a chance to lead Philadelphia after a great steal, but his layup attempt went off the glass. After Anthony Edwards hit his two free throws, the Sixers failed to stand a chance at a draw and Georges his Niang hotly contested heave seals the loss at 112-109. I didn’t reach it. Still, we’ve seen everyone go all out tonight to fight back, so let’s get to Bell Ringer.

Joel Embiid: 32 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 6 turnovers

Kyle Ross – USA TODAY Sports

Embiid wasn’t as good a midrange jumper as he was the night before and was very poor at traveling and ill-formed pass-type turnovers, but he still found a way to make his presence felt After being slowed down in an area painted by Brook Lopez on Friday night, Joel had no such trouble against the Wolves, consistently able to drive close to the rim and draw fouls. Embiid finished 20-18 at the free-throw line and produced the most reliable form of the Sixers offense while putting Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns and Nas Reed all in foul trouble. His status as a bellringer contender was cemented late in the game after his ankle was seemingly rolled up under the basket by Georges Niang. After lying on the ground in pain, Joel soldiered on to stay in the game, and a minute later he dove onto the floor for the decisive steal in the backcourt, hitting a clutch three-pointer. There is no doubt about this man’s desire to win.

Shake Milton: 27 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 6 turnovers

Kyle Ross – USA TODAY Sports

Sheikh had just two total 3-pointers in the season going into tonight’s game. That’s why he knocked down his 3 out of his 5 attempts tonight, a tough turnaround his jumper he sunk twice and some gorgeous and slippery finishes around the bucket. I found the money when I saw it achieved. Milton has definitely struggled with the pressure of the ball as the six freebies show, but he has been able to create his own offense much better than I expected.I’ve seen enough from Shake every past two nights to show the Sixers may You can tread water for several weeks in your backcourt until your starter is healthy.

DeAnthony Melton: 19 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 5 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers

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Is it irritating that on the drive to the whoops Melton often channels Luis Mendoza before learning how to stop him on the ice? Yes. Was Melton a big reason the Sixers even had an unlikely comeback win tonight? Yes. A streak-shooting Melton was hot from behind the arc tonight, and from downtown he went 5/9 with 29 seconds left to make him a 1-run game. He also created an absolute mess for the defensive side. During the Sixers’ fourth-quarter comeback, Melton played exemplary on consecutive possessions. First, Shake He blocked Milton’s transition He dunked a steal, then Karl Anthony He blocked Towns’ three-point attempt from behind. If De’Anthony converted his bucket go-ahead after he stole Anthony Edwards at the last second, he would have achieved his one-day status Legend. Oh.