Sixers Bell Ringer: Game 37

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

Bell Ringer Season Standings:

Joel Embiid - 12
Ben Simmons - 10
Jimmy Butler - 5
JJ Redick - 5
Robert Covington - 1
Dario Saric - 1
T.J. McConnell - 1
Furkan Korkmaz - 1

With the likes of Evan Turner and Nik Stauskas suited up on the opposing sideline, the Sixers reverted to a Process-era performance in a lifeless 129-95 loss to the Trail Blazers. Tonight’s Bell Ringer is reminiscent of the bells heard throughout King’s Landing as Cersei trudged naked through the streets.

Ben Simmons: 19 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal

Simmons was the only Sixers regular to look anything like his normal self. He shot 7-for-12 from the field, getting buckets off the drive, off-ball duck-ins, and post-up situations. Ben even shot two horrific-looking jumpers for the ‘I just want to see him try them’ crowd.

Unfortunately, he picked up three first half fouls, limiting his playing time. The Sixers were only minus-5 in Simmons’ 15 first half minutes, versus minus-24 in the 9 minutes he sat. Brett Brown went to a lineup with Simmons at point-center to begin the second half, which worked for a few minutes and would be something I would be interested in seeing more of going forward.

T.J. McConnell: 14 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals

Is T.J. the team’s most consistent mid-range shooter? He certainly had the jump shot working in Portland, shooting 4-for-4 in the first half (including a triple), and finishing 6-for-7 on the evening. When Brown shifted to a small-ball lineup coming out of halftime, McConnell was out there with the starters. Alas, although T.J. was on fire shooting, he couldn’t guard anyone, and finished a team-worst minue-38.

Demetrius Jackson: 10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal

Jackson was the only Sixers player to have a positive plus/minus (plus-7 in 10 minutes). Kudos for soaking up the garbage time minutes. We’re well into Year Two of my wondering what exactly the Sixers see in Jackson. Why not bring in someone with raw athleticism who could at least bring some bouncy energy into these blowout-type affairs?

Joel Embiid: DNP - knee

The big man put forth his best argument for MVP by sitting on the bench in street clothes Sunday night.