
Tobias Harris: C+
After a silent game on Monday, Harris was much more involved in this one. He was aggressive when the ball touched his hands and he was getting into the paint. As always with Harris, the key for him is to get him into a rhythm. When he is able to get to his spots on the floor, that is when he’s able to knock down looks and find ways to contribute. However, after a solid start, he cooled off a bit, and he did pick up a couple of cheap fouls defending Towns. He did some good things in this one, but he also could have done more.
Joel Embiid: A+
The good news to start this one was Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert picked up two quick fouls in this one. Then Embiid drew two fouls on Towns and Naz Reid as well so he was getting to the line early which allowed him to score despite having a tough time with his field goal shooting. He was better with his shot as the game wore on. He was sizing up guys like Reid and Towns and knocking down mid-range jumpers over them. His offense was very important in the third quarter as he carried the Sixers and kept them in the game single-handedly. It is insane to see the big fella take his game to yet another incredible level after an MVP season.
Patrick Beverley: A-
There was a play in the first quarter when Beverley collided with Reid on a loose ball and it was incredible that it wasn't called a foul on Reid. It led to a botched alley-oop by Minnesota and Beverley then proceeded to drill a corner triple. It was the definition of a "ball don't lie" moment for Beverley and the Sixers. Getting the start in the second half with Melton leaving, Beverley contributed in a big way and gave the Sixers a boost on both ends.
Paul Reed: B+
The initial Reed stint was more than solid. He was terrific defensively as he was active with his hands and he was smart with his body movements on that end. He didn't contribute much on offense, but his defense really was terrific off the bench.
Marcus Morris Sr.: B+
In his first game back from an illness, Morris Sr. calmly knocked down a corner triple off a nice relocation move from him. His ability to read situations and be able to find spots for looks from the perimeter is important for this group. It wasn't a great night for him defensively, but overall, Morris Sr. found a way to contribute positively for Philadelphia.
Danuel House Jr.: B
The energy level House Jr. brought on the defensive end was apparent. He was active, bothering Minnesota's perimeter players, and really giving the Sixers a boost on that end of the floor. He wasn't able to get off an open look from deep on the offensive end, but one has to like his energy level defensively.
KJ Martin: B
The Sixers called upon Martin late in the third quarter being down so many wings and he made a positive impact. He played well on the defensive end as his athleticism gave Philadelphia a boost and he had a nice finish around the basket.
The Philadelphia 76ers played host to the NBA-leading Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night looking to make a statement. The Sixers have been one of the best teams in the league throughout the season and the Timberwolves offered up a chance to be a litmus test for them.
Both the Sixers and the T-Wolves exchanged body blows with both teams really getting after it on both ends of the floor, but it was the Sixers who would emerge with a 127-113 victory in a tough battle. Joel Embiid led the way for Philadelphia with 51 points, 12 rebounds, and three assists on the night.
Tyrese Maxey also had a terrific night with 35 points and five assists, Tobias Harris added nine points and five rebounds, and Kelly Oubre Jr. added seven points.
Here are the player grades following the win:
Tyrese Maxey: A+
Unlike in the Chicago game, Maxey was much more aggressive with his effort from the jump. It was a bit of a slow start from him in terms of his efficiency, but he was able to find a groove in the second quarter and help the Sixers build a double-digit lead. He was getting into the paint and knocking down tough triples as well. On the one hand, it’s important that Maxey get his teammates involved, but it’s also important that he gets after it with his ability to put the ball in the basket. The Sixers need his scoring more than anything and the fact that he did it against Jaden McDaniels was even more impressive. The young guard was fantastic in the fourth quarter.
De'Anthony Melton: Incomplete
The man they call Mr. Do Something did a lot on the defensive end in this one. He gave a terrific effort on that end and really hustled all over the place in order to help the Sixers get some stops on that end of the floor. He would leave at halftime due to a thigh contusion.
Kelly Oubre Jr.: C
Drawing the start in place of the injured Nic Batum, Oubre Jr. had a nice start to this one. He knocked down a 3 for Philadelphia’s first field goal after the team started 0-for-7 and he was moving well without the basketball. There were a few times when the Sixers missed him underneath the basket. Overall, he did commit some tough fouls and he committed some confusing turnovers, but he was helpful in this one overall.

Sixers center Joel Embiid vs the Timberwolves December 20,2023 Photo Credit Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Tags:
{tag}
{tag}
{tag}
{tag}

Share this article
Link copied!
Related Articles
Get Geared Up






Heading 4

Heading 4

Heading 4

Heading 4
