Sixers vs. Wizards: Simmons’ Great Debut Spoiled by Washington Win

Late turnovers and a lack of early chemistry cost the Sixers a winnable game against a John Wall highlight reel the Wizards. But it wasn’t all bad. In fact, most of it wasn’t. An extremely confident Robert Covington shot the lights out from long range on his way to leading the team in points. Ben Simmons debuted with a double-double and Joel Embiid’s “restriction” was nearly non-existent as he stayed on the floor for 26 minutes (he also had a double-double).

Markelle Fultz shot a good percentage from the floor and played with confidence, showing the ballhandling and playmaking that make him so highly touted. Though there were times he looked unsure of where to go with the ball and ended up losing it in the paint. And that free throw? Yeeesh.

But perhaps the most surprising fact of the game was a trio of DNPs. There was Justin Anderson (not surprising), Nik Stauskas (slightly more surprising), and Jahlil Okafor (surprising). The idea that the team would use Embiid’s restriction to “showcase” Jah doesn’t make any sense, but for him to get zero minutes in a game where Embiid had a “restriction,” Richaun Holmes was unavailable, Amir Johnson fouled out after 15 minutes, AND Marcin Gortat grabbed every board he wanted? I would not have predicted that.

The Sixers are off tomorrow and open up The Center on Friday against the Celtics.

Joel Embiid Fall Counter: 3