Sixers Bell Ringer: Game 60 - Star-depleted Sixers still scorching at home

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

Bell Ringer Standings

Ben Simmons - 16
Joel Embiid - 11
Tobias Harris - 10
Josh Richardson - 8
Furkan Korkmaz - 6
Matisse Thybulle - 3
Shake Milton - 2
Al Horford - 1
James Ennis - 1
Raul Neto - 1

On Thursday night, the Sixers officially began the chapter of the season without their two injured All-Stars, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. As long as they keep getting to play at home against one of the worst teams in the league, things should go pretty well! (*Checks schedule and sees the upcoming four-game road trip* Oh, no.) Philadelphia never trailed in tonight’s contest against the Knicks, leading by as many as 20 points and eventually closing out what was a two-possession game down the stretch. The 115-106 victory over New York marks the Sixers’ 14th straight win at home, remarkably the second time they’ve achieved that feat this season. Bell Ringer awaits.

Tobias Harris: 34 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover

Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images

The Sixers are without their best two players, but they still have their highest-paid player, and Tobias Harris lived up to his contract against the Knicks. Knowing the need to assume a greater offensive role, he had the eye of the tiger right out of the gate, scoring the Sixers’ first nine points, and eventually tallying 14 points in the first quarter. All game long, Harris got loose for open looks from behind the arc (3-of-6 from 3), or worked his way to the rim, finishing himself or finding teammates with a season-high-tying seven assists. Harris finished the game an outstanding 14-of-21 from the field.

Tobias also made sure to put this game to bed for Philadelphia. He nailed a dagger 3 with less than two minutes remaining to stretch a five-point lead back out to eight. Then, Harris drove and kicked it out to Shake Milton in the corner for the 3 to make it an 11-point advantage. He finished things up with another drive to the rim and bucket with 48 seconds left. Harris was the opening catalyst and the closer of this Sixers victory.

Al Horford: 15 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 1 turnover

Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images

With Embiid sidelined, the Sixers are going to require the services of the Al Horford of old, and Philadelphia received a fair facsimile Thursday night. Although he heard the boobirds and looked washed on a couple shot attempts around the basket, Big Al had himself a terrific overall game. Horford had the hot hand from the outside, shooting a perfect 4-of-4 from 3. He also assumed more responsibility as the offensive hub in Simmons’ absence, tallying a season-high nine assists. Al Horford is no Joel Embiid, but tonight’s version was still better than many of the starting centers in the league. Philadelphia won’t be booing for long if this type of play continues.

Shake Milton: 19 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 1 turnover

Shake continued his excellent recent run of play against the Knicks and looks like a locked-in fixture within the starting lineup for the foreseeable future. Milton had a nearly flawless shooting performance, going 6-of-7 from the field and knocking down all five of his 3-point attempts. He continued to display the added play-making verve he brings to the table; Milton’s four assists all came in the first half, including one nice pass over-the-top to Harris under the basket. Shake finished off his excellent night by hitting the big corner 3 with a little more than a minute remaining to make it a double-digit lead.