3 observations after Sixers get blown out by NBA-leading Cavs

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3 observations after Sixers get blown out by NBA-leading Cavs originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers could not pull off a surprising road victory over the NBA-leading Cavs on Saturday night.

Cleveland won very comfortably on its home turf, improving to 25-4 with a 126-99 decision. The Sixers dropped to 9-17.

Tyrese Maxey scored a team-high 27 points. Paul George had 11 points and shot 4 for 12 from the field.

The Cavs got 26 points from Darius Garland. Evan Mobley tallied 22 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.

The Sixers were without Jared McCain (left lateral meniscus surgery) and Joel Embiid, who rested the night after a 34-point, nine-assist performance in the Sixers’ win over the Hornets. Cleveland’s Isaac Okoro (right shoulder AC joint sprain) and Max Strus (right ankle injury management) were sidelined.

Here are observations on the Sixers’ blowout loss Saturday in Cleveland:

Offense a slog for Sixers

For a second straight night, Maxey was ready to roll as soon as the game tipped off.

After scoring 15 first-quarter points Friday, he posted the Sixers’ first eight in Cleveland on a pair of pull-up three-pointers and a driving layup. Along with pouncing on those chances to attack before the Cavs’ defense was fully set, Maxey drove and kicked the ball to Kelly Oubre Jr. for a triple that put the Sixers ahead 15-5.

Following a 2-for-12 outing against Charlotte, George missed his first two jumpers. Maxey then did a nice job calling for George to set a ball screen for him. That created the desired switch of George vs. the 6-foot-1 Garland, and the nine-time All-Star scored twice over him.

George couldn’t sustain his success and Maxey cooled off. The Sixers had an expectedly difficult time finding high-quality looks against a very good opponent with ample rim protection. Especially without Embiid’s isolation scoring ability, the Sixers needed a low-mistake, great jump shooting night.

As a team, the Sixers recorded a season-low 13 assists on their 34 made field goals.

Besides buzzer-beater, no magic off the bench

Caleb Martin rejoined the Sixers’ bench Saturday, returning from a right…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/3-observations-sixers-blown-nba-033545046.html

Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia

Publish date : 2024-12-22 04:27:00

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