Sixers Bell Ringer: Game 27

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

Bell Ringer Season Standings:

Joel Embiid - 9

Ben Simmons - 6

JJ Redick - 4

Jimmy Butler - 4

Robert Covington - 1

Dario Saric - 1

T.J. McConnell - 1

So that’s how that feels!

After trailing by as much as 15 in the 3rd quarter, the Sixers stampeded back to take control of this one late and will leave Detroit with a 117-111 victory. Without Joel Embiid, the Sixers needed big performances from everyone and they got them. Let’s get into it.

Jimmy Butler: 38 pts, 6 rbs, 6 ast, 3 steals

Although he was almost disqualified for breaking up the Headband of Brothers, Butler scored 26 of his 38 points in the second half and commanded the gym during the last 24 minutes of game time. Not only did Butler lead the comeback effort on the offensive end, he stepped up in the role of defensive quarterback, barking out orders to his teammates and taking control of Blake Griffin one on one down the stretch - even getting into Griffin’s head enough to bait him into a late technical foul.

Ben Simmons: 18 pts, 14 rbs, 5 asts, 3 blks

In what might have been his most impressive performance of the season, Simmons was able to match Jimmy Butler in intensity and helped set the defensive tone in the second half. As expected without Embiid, Ben put an emphasis on getting out and running, and was able to steal some crucial easy points in transition. Simmons flashed his defensive value, truly guarding all five positions tonight and picking up three blocks in the effort.

Mike Muscala: 18 pts, 4/7 3FG, 3 blks

In the absence of Joel Embiid, Mike Muscala was already going to have to step up to the plate, and that pressure was amplified when Amir Johnson fouled out with zero points. Playing with five 4th quarter fouls of his own, Muscala was Embiid-esque in his paint protection, sending back multiple shots in the last few moments of the game.

Muscala also helped make up for the lack of three point shooting his teammates provided, knocking down crucial triples and going four for seven on the game.

Wilson Chandler: 10 pts, 8 rbs, 3 blks, 2 stls, +23

Add Wilson Chandler to the “Needed and Got His Best Game of the Season” list tonight. Chandler drew the honor of checking Blake Griffin tonight, and although Griffin got 31, it was his season low against the Sixers and Chandler made him work for the money, using five of his allotted six personal fouls.

Chandler was efficient on offense, going two of three from deep and four of five from the field overall, and was an important piece of the excellent team defense that helped carry the Sixers over the hump tonight.