Sixers Bell Ringer: Game 21

For a refresher on what constitutes a Bell Ringer, please reference the initial post.

Bell Ringer Season Standings:

Joel Embiid - 9
Ben Simmons - 3
JJ Redick - 3
Jimmy Butler - 2
Robert Covington - 1
Dario Saric - 1
T.J. McConnell - 1.

The Sixers put forth arguably their worst effort of the season, losing to the previously 2-14 Cleveland Cavaliers to snap their regular season home unbeaten streak. And yet, a Bell Ringer must be chosen. I only wish we could give it to Franklin for this:

Joel Embiid: 24 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists

The good news is Embiid tallied his league-leading 19th double-double. The bad news is, and this stat is unofficial, but any rebound Joel didn’t grab, Tristan Thompson did. Embiid had an efficient shooting performance, shooting 8-13 from the field and 2-4 from behind the arc. Yet, it wasn’t the dominant effort we’ve seen from him on numerous occasions this season, and definitely not enough to cover the team on an overall listless night. Still, I don’t know how many 7-footers could cross up a guard like this; I’m gonna say not many.

Ben Simmons: 22 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal, 1 block

The scoring numbers are a little misleading for Ben, as about half his points came in the last couple minutes when the Sixers were frantically trying to chip away at a double-digit deficit. But a 10:1 assist-to-turnover ratio is outstanding, as is a 10-12 night from the floor. Simmons’ 2-5 night at the line hurt the Sixers, as all three misses came in the final few minutes of the game, killing any chance at a comeback. At least one fan seemed very happy with his performance.

Jimmy Butler: 22 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 block

Some folks were sweating Jimmy’s outside shooting, but it was working Friday night. Butler shot 8-14 from the field and 3-4 from three, the first time he’s hit 3 triples in a game as a member of the Sixers. Unfortunately for Jimmy, his body took a beating in this one. After Butler didn’t get a call earlier in the game when he clearly got elbowed in the face, he then sprained his ankle with about three minutes left stepping on Tristan Thompson’s foot, adding injury to insult. MRI was negative; hopefully, he’s good to go on Sunday.

JJ Redick: 23 points, 4 assists

Redick played a bit less than usual due to foul trouble (some earned, some not so much), eventually fouling out with seconds remaining. When he was in the game though, the shot was crisp. JJ shot 4-8 from three and 9-9 from the foul line; the 9 attempts tie a season-high.