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Kendrick Perkins applauded Doc Rivers' for the Philadelphia 76ers' midseason turnaround. The 76ers started the year 12-12 but have now improved to 30-16. They registered a 129-127 win over the surging Sacramento Kings on Saturday without Joel Embiid and James Harden.
Here's what Perkins tweeted after the game:
"As expected the Eagles beat the hell outta the Giants and their Super Bowl hopes are looking very promising… but Doc Rivers is coaching his a** right now and the 76ers grabbed a nice road win tonight against the Kings with no Embiid or Harden!!!! Carry the hell on…"
The Sixers took time to find their identity and chemistry with new additions like P.J. Tucker, D'Anthony Melton and others. Rivers was often called out by critics for the Sixers not playing to their potential. However, the former championship-winning coach has made some solid adjustments to help the team excel regardless of who is on the floor.
The Philadelphia 76ers have the third-best offensive rating (118.8) and seventh-best defensive rating (112.1) since they dropped to 12-12. The team looks like a legitimate contender right now, and it will be interesting to see how well they can sustain their current run.
Tyrese Maxey guides shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers past Sacramento Kings
Tyrese Maxey put together one of his best performances since his return from injury against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday. The Philadelphia 76ers needed a special effort from him in the absence of Joel Embiid and James Harden, and Maxey did just that.
He scored 32 points and tallied six assists on the night. Maxey scored 21 points in the second half alone. The Sixers also trailed by 21 points with three minutes left in the first half, but a 38-22 third quarter swung the tie in their favor.
The Philadelphia 76ers flexed their depth without Embiid and Harden. Including Maxey, five other players scored in double-digits. The Sixers relied on their offense to help them secure the win. They made 52.7% of their shots from the field, including 42.9% from deep and 82.6% from the free-throw line.
The Kings had the chance to tie the game when Harrison Barnes stepped into the foul line to shoot three free throws with two seconds left. He missed the first attempt, made the second and had to deliberately miss the third to regain possession and get a shot down.
Domantas Sabonis got the rebound off the missed shot and tried to tip it in but was off the mark. The Sixers scrambled for a rebound and ran off the clock to seal the win.
Philadelphia has improved to 30-16. They boast the second-best record in the Eastern Conference. Their confidence will be sky-high after securing a 100% winning rate on a grueling five-game road trip to the West Coast.
Guess the Lakers players!
