Sixers Bell Ringer: Game 45

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

Bell Ringer Season Standings:

Joel Embiid - 15
Ben Simmons - 14
Jimmy Butler - 5
JJ Redick - 5
Robert Covington - 1
Dario Saric - 1
T.J. McConnell - 1
Furkan Korkmaz - 1
Landry Shamet - 1

In the first game this year where a Bell Ringer award winner suited up for the opposing team, the Sixers scored a floor-record 83 points in a half, sank a franchise-record 21 3-pointers, and absolutely dominated the Wolves on their way to a 149-107 victory. Although fans lightly applauded every Dario Saric bucket, he’s ineligible for Bell Ringer consideration, but plenty of Sixers remain possibilities:

Joel Embiid: 31 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block

Joel Embiid always gets up for these games against Karl-Anthony Towns; Brett Brown mentioned post-game how the matchup is a personal challenge for JoJo. On the Sixers’ opening possession, Embiid went right at Towns, drawing a foul, and continued attacking from there. He definitely had more of his showman’s flair on display, pulling out his finger guns celebration after an and-one in transition, and flexing for the crowd after dunking through a foul by Taj Gibson. Plus, the “hates shooting threes” Embiid had a sweet stroke on the evening, knocking down 4 of his 6 attempts from behind the arc. Toss in anchoring a strong defensive effort by the Sixers, and it was an excellent night for the big man.

And bonus points for the savage roast on Twitter. Good to have you back in prime form on social media, Joel.

Ben Simmons: 20 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 3 blocks

Simmons didn’t have the “battle of the big men” narrative like Embiid, or the “facing the former team” storyline like Jimmy, but he did have himself an incredibly effective game on both ends of the court. Ben flew around everywhere, disrupting passing lanes and shots-in-flight alike with the 3 blocks. On offense, he dunked, dunked, and dunked some more, finishing 7-for-10 from the field, and even hitting 6 of his 7 free throws. Finishing one assist shy of a triple-double is just sort of a minor footnote for Simmons at this point of his career. Remarkable.

Jimmy Butler: 19 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, 1 block

Many people wondered if Jimmy Butler would come into this game determined to burn the Timberwolves to the ground, and if the entirety of South Philadelphia went as a result, so be it. But to the surprise of some, Butler played well within the flow of the offense, shooting a highly efficient 8-for-10 from the field, including some catch-and-shoot threes which people have been clamoring to see from him. On more than one occasion, Butler made the extra pass, whether it involved swings to teammates for open 3-pointers, or a bounce pass to Simmons for a jam. Brett Brown was not one of the folks surprised, saying Butler always “plays the right way.” He definitely played the right way tonight, earning that 42-point win over his old mates, and I’ll even give him some credit for psychologically forcing Towns into a -42 plus/minus.

Wilson Chandler: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 block

(Cue Dr. Frankenstein voice) He’s alive...he’s alive! The much-maligned fifth member of the starting lineup looked refreshed Tuesday night. Chandler hit three 3-pointers in the first quarter alone, finishing the game 4-for-6 from downtown. On top of the shooting, Chandler looked to have a little more spring in his step; the 4 assists were one shy of a season-high.

Jonah Bolden: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks

Entering the game Tuesday night, Jonah Bolden had hit four career NBA 3-pointers. During the game Tuesday night, Jonah Bolden hit four NBA 3-pointers (on 5 attempts!). Add in the usual defensive effort, running the floor, and overall energy he usually brings, and it was a good night for #JonahHive.

T.J. McConnell: 8 points, 2 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 1 block

T.J. was fiesty, hit some mid-range jumpers, and distributed the ball well. However, his Bell Ringer consideration entirely comes down to one play that will live on forever in Process lore. McConnell, who had dinner with Dario last night and coffee again this morning, crossed up Saric with shades of Iverson vs. Jordan, and then gave his good buddy a friendly slap to the backside. Legend.