NBA 2018-19: 3 Talking points from the Philadelphia 76ers' win over the Washington Wizards

Sixers lead the three-game series 2-0.
Sixers lead the three-game series 2-0.

The injury-plagued Wizards side had just routed the West's cream in OKC, before they flew into Philadelphia to face the Sixers. The hosts conjured something of a miracle, drawing a game-high score from one of the most underrated rookies this season, and bested the visitors 132-115.

Only two starters could score in double-figures for Washington, as they were handed their sixth loss of the last ten games. With John Wall (sore left heel) out for the season, and Markieff Morris unavailable with neck stiffness, the future looks bleak for the Wizards as they drop to the 11th spot on the East leaderboard. Scott Brooks' men are currently holding on to a 16-25(0.390) win-loss record, with even a playoff berth fading out of sight.

On the other hand, the Sixers clinched their fourth straight victory, although still stuck at the 4th spot behind the Pacers in the East. They have now won seven of their previous ten clashes and improve to a convincing 27-14(0.659) on the season. At home, the Sixers have lost just three games(NBA-best 18-3) this year and are just three games below the East leaders in the Raptors.

Let's draw out some key takeaways from this Wizards blowout loss as Philly recorded their 18th home win of this season.


#1 Landry Shamet caught fire off the bench and ended up with a game-high total

Landry Shamet was the 26th pick of the 2018 NBA draft.
Landry Shamet was the 26th pick of the 2018 NBA draft.

Shamet has been averaging about 20 minutes per game off the bench for Philly this season. He played around 24 in this game, but what transpired in those minutes must have left a mark. The round 1 pick notched a Sixers rookie record of eight three-pointers and dropped a career-high 29 points for himself.

"He was hot," Embiid said of Landry's red-hot shooting, stopping to literally check the rookie's temperature mid-game.

The highest total for Shamet was 17 points last month against the Knicks, and he hadn't scored in double digits since then. Against the Wizards, he shot 8-of-14 from the distance, and is averaging almost 40% from the three-point territory in his rookie season.

youtube-cover

#2 It was a shooting bonanza as both teams converted at least 50% from the field

Sixers' FG% is top 10 in the league right now.
Sixers' FG% is top 10 in the league right now.

The Sixers-Wizards clash was high-intensity and offense-driven, as both teams shot lights out at the Wells Fargo Center. As a collective unit, Philly shot 49-of-88 from the field, catapulting their conversion to a blazing 55.7% on the night. Their opponents were not far behind, making 42-of-84 from the floor and shooting an impressive 43.8% from beyond the arc as well.

The Sixers put up a long-range show as well, led by Lamet's eight treys as the team finished 17-of-33 from downtown, for a 51.5% conversion rate. Bradley Beal of the Wizards attempted nine from the distance but was able to make only four, finishing with a team-high total of 28 points.

On a night when Trevor Ariza was 0-of-5 from deep, Lamet's fireworks played a huge role in creating separation between the winners and losers. Both the teams surpassed their season averages in terms of shooting, giving us an entertaining and high-scoring duel.

#3 The Sixers' Big-three continues to impress with collective effort

Ben Simmons is averaging 16.4 ppg this season.
Ben Simmons is averaging 16.4 ppg this season.

As Joel Embiid continues to justify his career-high averages in points, rebounds and assists, his teammates are not falling far behind. Jimmy Butler contributed 20 points in the win over the Wizards while sophomore Ben Simmons chipped in with 17 points and nine assists.

"We're good right now," Simmons said. "We're on the right track to where we want to be."

All of them made eight shots from the field, with Butler shooting the best with 8-of-9 on the night. While all eyes were on Lamet's three-pointers, JoJo kept doing his thing, finishing with a solid double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds. He made a couple of threes as well and a blocked shot in the 24 minutes he was on court.

With the Sixers up big in the second half, Joel decided to watch the game as a spectator from the 2nd row as Shamet took charge of the game in sharpshooter JJ Redick's absence.

youtube-cover

Quick Links

App download animated image Get the free App now