3 observations after Sixers seize a strong win over Harden, Clippers

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3 observations after Sixers seize a strong win over Harden, Clippers originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers finally saw James Harden again Sunday in Los Angeles.

The team was victorious in its first matchup with the 10-time All-Star since trading him away in a major early-season deal, earning a strong 121-107 win over the Clippers.

Tyrese Maxey had 24 points on 9-for-17 shooting, six assists and no turnovers.

Tobias Harris also scored 24 points. Cameron Payne added a season-high 23.

Harden finished with 12 points on 5-for-13 shooting and 14 assists. Kawhi Leonard posted 20 points and Paul George had 18 for the Clippers, who fell to 44-26.

The Sixers were without Joel Embiid (left knee meniscus procedure), Kyle Lowry (rest), De’Anthony Melton (lumbar spine stress response), Robert Covington (left knee bone bruise) and Kai Jones (right hamstring strain).

The Clippers didn’t have Russell Westbrook (left hand fracture) and PJ Tucker (right calf soreness).

The 39-32 Sixers will finish their four-game road trip Monday night against the Kings.

Here are observations on their victory in L.A.:

No more lid on the basket 

Harris showed zero reluctance about taking the early jumpers available to him, scoring the afternoon’s first seven points on a corner three-pointer and two mid-range jumpers.

Harden got Los Angeles on the board by accelerating left off of a double drag action and making an and-one layup. He was guarded by Kelly Oubre Jr., who picked up two fouls in quick succession but stayed in the game and played an excellent first quarter offensively. He regularly made the right play, hitting open teammates and knocking down two corner threes.

For the day, Oubre recorded 12 points and a season-high six assists.

A 32.7 percent career long-distance shooter, Oubre had been just 23 percent over his last 29 games. He was due to have a few jumpers drop. So were the Sixers, who’d only scored 18 fourth-quarter points Friday night in their loss to the Lakers. They racked up 23 more than that in Sunday’s first quarter and began 8 for 10 from three-point territory.

Replacement starter Buddy Hield and Mo Bamba…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/3-observations-sixers-seize-strong-223301720.html

Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia

Publish date : 2024-03-24 22:33:01

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