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Joel Embiid lea...

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THE JAWN STORE

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Buddy Hield: A

The initial run for Hield included him drilling a triple on his first shot attempt. He then drilled another one in the second half as Philadelphia began to expand its lead. If he can continue to shoot the ball like this, then the Sixers are going to be a dangerous team in the playoffs with the shooting they can provide around Embiid.

Nic Batum: B-plus

This was a solid Batum night. He was part of the defensive charge on Banchero and he was efficient with his offensive game. He also made a couple of hustle plays to help the Sixers gain extra possessions. This was another example of what he brings to the table. He is going to be invaluable when the playoffs begin.

Paul Reed: B-minus

It was a nice offensive showing for Reed as he did some good things around the basket and he was able to do some helpful things such as set solid screens, but the Magic were not afraid of him defending the basket. Orlando attacked the paint often with him back there rather than the big fella. He was better defensively in the second half.

De'Anthony Melton: B-plus

Continuing to work his way back into a rhythm and shape after such a long layoff, Melton showed some positive signs in this one. He drilled an off-the-dribble 3-pointer and he was a pest defensively. The good thing with Melton right now is his activity on the defensive end. He has moved well on that end thus far.

Cam Payne: C

For some reason, inbounds passes are a bit of an adventure for Payne. There were a few mistakes trying to inbound the ball and the Magic guards are not the ones to mess around with mistakes like that. He did make a 3-pointer in the second half.

Normally, game 81 doesn’t mean this much for the Philadelphia 76ers. In a regular year, they would be resting players and preparing for the playoffs, but this contest with the Orlando Magic was a big one as the Sixers are fighting to climb out of the play-in tournament.

The Sixers entered the contest just a game back of the Magic for the No. 5 seed in the East and they already own the tiebreaker over Orlando. The Sixers were able to come up with an important 125-113 win and move into a tie with the Magic in the standings. With one game left on the calendar, the Sixers have a terrific chance at clinching a playoff berth.

Joel Embiid was terrific and led the Sixers with 32 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, Tyrese Maxey had 28 points, and Kelly Oubre Jr. had 21 points and nine rebounds. Tobias Harris added 14 points and six rebounds as well.

Here are the player grades following the win:

Kyle Lowry: A

The veteran didn’t look for many offensive opportunities in this one, but he did a good job of getting the team organized on both ends of the floor. his communication was apparent and he made sure guys were in the right spots. When he did look for his chances, he took advantage of them on the offensive end.

Tyrese Maxey: A

The All-Star guard had everything working to start this one. He was drilling step-back triples and getting to the basket often in this one. It was impressive to see him attack this Magic defense in a variety of different ways. However, the Magic did eventually buckle down on him. They have so many good defensive guards such as Jalen Suggs, Markelle Fultz, and others. To Maxey’s credit, he continued to attack and was able to score his points. His buckets int he fourth quarter when the Magic made their run were important.

Kelly Oubre Jr.: A

When Oubre is able to get into a rhythm early, that is a big boost to Philadelphia’s offensive game plan. He drilled a spot-up corner triple early in this one which allowed him to see the ball go through and he was then able to attack the basket and get some easy buckets that way. He made some nice hustle plays int his one and used his athleticism to be in the right spots on offense and he did a good job of being a pest on defense. He continues to be a valuable piece for Philadelphia.

Tobias Harris: B

Harris had a tough time finishing layups in this one. He would get to the basket and have his opportunities, but just was not able to get those to fall. If he did, the Sixers would have held a larger lead in this one than they did. Overall, though, Harris had a solid night. His defense on All-Star Paolo Banchero was terrific and he frustrated him all night.

Joel Embiid: A

It’s a shame because Magic big man Wendell Carter Jr. really is a solid player. However, Embiid just kicks his butt every time. The big fella drew a couple of early fouls on him and then he had his way with backup big man Goga Bitadze as well. They are both solid players, but Embiid just has the size advantage. There was nothing the Magic could do with him in this one. He got into his rhythm early and he was at the foul line more often than not. He had 21, nine, and seven in the first half alone, but he did leave in the second quarter when he appeared to hurt his knee on a drive. He came out of the halftime locker room and immediately drilled a 3.