Sixers Bell Ringer: Sixers defeated Sacramento for the fourth consecutive victory

Sixers Bell Ringer season ranking:

Joel Embiid – 11
Tobias Harris – 5
Milton Shake – 3
Ben Simmons – 3
Tyrese Maxey – 1
Dakota Mathias – 1

After a sleepwalking on the defensive end in the first half and allowing Sacramento to score 71 points in the first half, the Sixers remained defensive after the break, keeping the Kings with just 20 points each in the third and fourth periods. A fundamental 10-0 run in the middle of the final frame allowed the Sixers to take the lead again and stay in the 119-111 victory. It was the fourth consecutive victory for the team on the road (what a difference a year makes!) And the 14th consecutive victory to start the season with the full starting team available. Now, for Bell Ringer nominees …

Tobias Harris: 22 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 return

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To paraphrase a Zumoff-ism, Tobias had a big advantage in the fourth period tonight, scoring 12 points in the period. It was a Harris 3 with 6:40 remaining in the game that gave the Sixers their first advantage since the second half, and followed up with another huge triple a few minutes later to make it a three-game possession. 8 out of 15 on the field and 2 out of 5 behind the hoop – just another boring and efficient way out for the new Mr. Consistent of the team, who has a habit of not cringing at the big moments.

Seth Curry: 22 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3 turns

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I think tonight was a sign of hope that Seth may be feeling better. Recently slowed by post-COVID disease, Curry has burst to most points since his total of 28 points against the Wizards on January 6, scoring 16 of his 22 points before the break to help the Sixers maintain an attack distance. The shooter finished 4 out of 6 in the city center, and the pull-up jumper was as cute as ever. We are now some games removed from Seth’s goalless consecutive matches; it must be that all systems move forward, which means problems for the opposition.

Joel Embiid: 25 points, 17 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 4 turns

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For much of the game, tonight was a bad night by Joel’s maximum MVP standards. Now, he still scored many fouls (13 of 14 on the overall line) and a notable chase block that was the perfect cross-section of haste and instinctive timing. But he was strangely passive in the first few quarters offensively, despite long periods with Marvin Bagley covering him. That is, UNTIL the fourth quarter, when he switched to Destroyer of Worlds mode. Embiid scored 10 points in the final period and suddenly increased the defensive effort, stifling everything the Kings tried to do as they entered the track. We must also give props to Joel for his six assists, the best of the season. Still, it’s crazy to see his final line, which would be the best of the season for much of the league, and consider: “Hmm, Joel didn’t have his best material tonight”.

Furkan Korkmaz: 13 points, 3 rebounds, 0 turnovers

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As the winner of the Portland game, sometimes the West Coast night games just bring out the best in Furkan. The young winger was on fire in the first half, scoring all five of his field goals, including a pair of 3s. He also played a deafening dunk, starting from the left wing and throwing it down with his right hand; I would have given a 6 out of 10 in the dunk contest (I needed a Vader mask). Korkmaz cooled in the second half, but for a few minutes tonight Furkanity was in full swing.

Matisse Thybulle: 0 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 0 turnovers

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De’Aaron Fox in the first half: 23 points out of 9 out of 13 shots.

De’Aaron Fox’s second half: 11 points out of 4 out of 17 shots.

The Sixers do not win this game tonight without Matisse taking over the defensive responsibility for Fox in the second half.

Ben Simmons: 14 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 2 turns

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Ben jumped to a quick start on this, scoring a nine-point score for the team in the first quarter. He was looking to be aggressive and attack in the transition, which is when he is at his best. Even when the track was closed to him, his speed in pushing the ball across the court more often than not released a teammate for an open view around the perimeter. The league leader with 3-point assists registered another four on the night.