Sixers Bell Ringer: Game 34 - Nothing magical about this trip to Orlando for the Sixers

For a refresher on our Bell Ringer series, take a look back at our first post of the season.

Bell Ringer Standings

Ben Simmons - 7
Tobias Harris - 7
Joel Embiid - 7
Josh Richardson - 6
Matisse Thybulle - 3
Furkan Korkmaz - 1
Al Horford - 1
James Ennis - 1

Road game. Less than stellar opponent. The Sixers fail to bring their ‘A’ game.

Sadly, we’ve witnessed such a scene play out far too often this season. Orlando pulled ahead 93-82 with 1:49 remaining in the game, before the Sixers flipped a switch and stormed back to within a single point on a Joel Embiid 3 with five seconds left. A Ben Simmons steal gave Embiid a final heave to try and win the game, but it was not to be. Final: Orlando 98, Philadelphia 97. Let’s select a Bell Ringer.

Tobias Harris: 24 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 turnovers

For the second time this week, Tobi faced one of his former clubs, and he once again showed them what they are missing. Harris had his first double-double since all the way back on November 8 against the Nuggets. He hit open 3s when the ball was swung his way (3-of-8 from downtown), made sharp cuts to the basket, and scored out of the post. His performance was even more impressive largely coming against a potential All-Defense team member in Jonathan Isaac.

Joel Embiid: 24 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 4 turnovers

At the beginning of the game, it looked like Joel was picking up right where he left off Wednesday afternoon. He hit a 3 for the Sixers’ first points, and scored seven of the team’s first nine points in the game. However, as the game progressed, he kept settling for jump shots and failed to get to the free throw line (only attempting four freebies on the game). Embiid has to recognize when the shot isn’t falling, or he’ll end up with a 8-of-21 outing from the field like tonight. He did knock down two 3s in the final minute to help the Sixers nearly complete the miraculous comeback.

Josh Richardson: 15 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 1 block, 2 turnovers

Richardson was active throughout the game. Although he had a couple bad fouls, his aggressiveness led to the four stocks on the evening. Offensively, his six assists were one shy of the team lead, and included some nice feeds to Embiid for easy buckets. It was a little surprising to see him attempt just one 3 coming off his 11-attempt game against the Bucks, but he did make it.

Ben Simmons: 13 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals, 3 turnovers

Tonight was far from Ben’s best offensive game; 5-of-11 from the field isn’t going to cut it when only one shot comes from outside the paint (not to mention 3-of-6 from the foul line). However, as the four steals would attest, Simmons didn’t let his offensive struggles/lethargy affect him from playing an energetic and effective game on the defensive end. He also tallied three assists in a 42-second span as part of that last-ditch final flurry.