Anticipation is so high for the 76ers that ESPN put them in their marquee time slot to open the season. The young star power in Philly is off the charts, and the full offensive arsenal was on display from the start. The 76ers had it going inside and out for much of the game, but John Wall was too good in the fourth quarter. Philly had two chances to tie or take the lead in the final minute but turned the ball over each time.
Sixers MVP
NBA fans have been chomping at the bit to see Ben Simmons in action. And his all-around game didn't disappoint (18 points/10 rebounds/five assists).
His size and skills are tantalizing, and at nearly seven-feet tall, he ran the point for much of the game. He plays fast but stays in control on the break and drives to the basket. And while he didn’t take any jump shots, he showcased his talent to score with both hands around the basket.
The other Sixers starters
For all of the hype, every time Joel Embiid steps on the floor he backs it up (18 points/13 rebounds). On the offensive end, Embiid can do it all. He displays uncanny moves and quickness for a player his size and has a deft shooting touch that goes all the way back to the three-point line. And if he faces a defender up in the post, forget about it. He's nearly unstoppable. His only obstacle to greatness is staying healthy.
Robert Covington and JJ Redick are the floor spacers in the starting lineup and combined to shoot 11-15 from deep. With all the Sixers' injuries the last few years, Covington has gained a lot of valuable experience and showed it tonight (29 points). Jared Bayless also got in on the three-point fun, hitting 3-7 and scoring 13 points.
Sixers bench
Overall number one pick Markelle Fultz made his NBA debut, coming in off-the-bench halfway through the first quarter. He was aggressive to the basket (10 points), but the free throw shooting form that perplexed just about everyone during training camp made an appearance (0-2). Dario Saric, who was a first-team, All-Rookie selection last season, struggled with his shot (three points, 1-5 from the field).
Final thoughts
Even with the loss, this game must have been a dream come true for Philly fans. In fact, many of them made the trek to DC as 'Trust The Process’ chants could be heard on the telecast.
Joel Embiid was supposed to be on a 16-20 minute restriction. But after playing 22 minutes and with Philly down by six, Coach Brett Brown put him back on the court for the final five minutes of the game. The Sixers didn't pull out the victory, but that move did prove to the league and Philly fans that the team finally cares about winning.
