The Philadelphia 76ers don’t have much time to savor a huge victory over the Golden State Warriors as another difficult matchup looms Monday on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies.
“Just another win for us,” Sixers big man Andre Drummond said. “Obviously, they’re a great team, but can’t celebrate too much.”
The Sixers can celebrate the play of All-Star Joel Embiid, who was dominant in the second half in Saturday’s 102-93 win over Golden State despite lingering pain in his side. Embiid originally tweaked his side in Thursday’s loss to the Utah Jazz.
Embiid finished with 26 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals. He was aggressive in the second half and wound up 11 for 11 from the free throw line.
“I don’t know what it was honestly. I told him at halftime, ‘We’re gonna win this game because you’re going to become Joel. And become powerful,'” Sixers head coach Doc Rivers said. “And I thought in the fourth quarter, he asserted himself. We had to have that.”
Embiid’s passing and decision-making has improved tremendously, especially down the stretch in games. In a season filled with drama regarding Ben Simmons, COVID-19 issues and injuries, Embiid’s progress has been terrific.
“I just did whatever I’m asked,” Embiid said. “I mentioned it a couple of days ago, that’s my job to make those shots and make those passes in those situations. And I thought as a whole, I’ve been getting better. I’m kind of getting to the point where I feel extremely comfortable in those situations.”
The Grizzlies will be looking for their third consecutive victory when they host the Sixers.
In their most recent game, the Grizzlies dispatched the Houston Rockets 113-106 on Saturday.
Dillon Brooks led the way with 25 points while Desmond Bane added 19 for the Grizzlies, who continue to thrive without injured standout Ja Morant. Jaren Jackson Jr. also missed the game with knee soreness.
The Grizzlies are 7-1 since Morant suffered a sprained left knee in a Nov. 26 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.
“When you just stay ready and you understand this is how we play Grizzlies basketball, it’s the expectation, no matter if you are 1-5,” Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins said. “It’s offense, defense, whatever is asked of you, just go out there and make the right play.”
On Saturday, Steven Adams left the game in the third quarter with a sprained ankle and didn’t return. His status is unclear for the game against the Sixers.
“It’s not frustrating, it’s part of the territory,” Jenkins said. “Just got to continue to find the next man up and I’m really proud of when we call different numbers, different guys have stepped up and really helped.”
With a shorthanded roster, the Grizzlies have been relying on their defense to carry them through games.
The plan has been working.
“It’s a great thing to see because that’s what we got to bring to the playoffs,” Brooks said. “I know I’m talking early but I see us just in a locked-in mode. We’re just automatic.”
