The Sixers made it stressful, though, as they are known to do.For a team with a new coaching staff and several new rotation pieces, their communication and overall cohesion on that end of the floor has been impressive all season. The Sixers played absolutely tremendous team defense down the stretch, and it was the biggest reason they were able to put this game away in convincing fashion.It's another example of Embiid being able to carry lineups without much outside firepower. Embiid did most of the work, with Batum, Oubre Jr., Covington and Patrick Beverley each chipping in. Because of this, the Sixers were able to pull off a crucial run to end the period that gave them a 10-point lead entering the final frame.Covington gave the Sixers a nice jolt in the third quarter, playing solid defense against Jayson Tatum and knocking down a big three that helped spark the Sixers' massive run to end the quarter.His ability to make intuitive plays on a consistent basis is perhaps his greatest skill. In the third quarter, Embiid starred, but Batum gave the Sixers some enormous two-way minutes, with the operative term being two-way. After his strong debut, Batum hit an early three but didn't do much else of note.He knocked down a three over his nemesis in Horford, got his mid-range game working and swatted a Payton Pritchard layup to close the quarter. He poured in 13 huge points, carrying a very slow Sixers offense that could barely produce any offense without him. Nic Batum suffered a rather ugly finger dislocation late in the second quarter, but was able to return to the game.It was a positive sign for the Sixers, as Maxey has not been his entirely explosive self as a scorer over the last few games in the way he was to open the season. Tyrese Maxey was able to get going in the second quarter, scoring a dozen in the period, including two triples.Trade grades roundup: How did the Sixers fare in the James Harden deal?.Sixers game notes: Joel Embiid dominates in win over Wizards.His newfound defensive versatility makes life much, much easier for the Sixers. He opened the game defending the explosive wing Jaylen Brown, and quickly shifted to the 7-foot-3 Kristaps Porzingis. But on the defensive end, he was able to display the flexibility he provides head coach Nick Nurse. He leveraged his size and strength advantages to create good looks for himself. Tobias Harris was solid offensively in the first half - particularly as a passer - as usual.It feels like his biggest plays come when the Sixers are experiencing some sort of lull. It's not just the production that jumps out with Oubre Jr. He scored eight points and grabbed five rebounds in the first half alone, with most of his rebounding coming in the second quarter. continues to give the Sixers vital doses of energy at just the right times. He continues to build significant momentum in recent games as the Sixers maintain positive play with Embiid on the bench. He scored six points and grabbed four rebounds, with three of those boards coming on the offensive end. The Sixers got a terrific five-minute stint out of Paul Reed to open the second quarter.However, he quickly returned to the bench and was available for the remainder of the game. Robert Covington was inadvertently hit in the face by Al Horford late in the first quarter and had to go to the locker room.Embiid scored 10 points on four baskets and two free throws - with the first few buckets coming against former Sixer Jrue Holiday, surely the shortest player in recent memory to be tasked with defending Embiid straight up. Embiid was the only Sixer who could get going offensively early on, though he did commit two turnovers.It's frustrating in the moment, but in the bigger picture it's a good sign that they were at least generating good looks. While the numbers look brutal for the Sixers, these were mostly open looks that they just could not get to go down. ![]() The Sixers went 0-for-9 from three-point range in the period, while Boston went 2-for-10. It was an underwhelming first quarter on both sides, as the Sixers and Celtics each struggled mightily to knock down shots.Here's what stood out in the Sixers' too close for comfort, 106-103, win: First Quarter In perhaps their biggest game of the young NBA season, the Sixers played host to the fellow 5-1 Boston Celtics Wednesday night.
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