Sixers defeat Mavericks 111-97 as Embiid and Simmons lock up and bench plays well

Tonight, the Sixers defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks, 111-97. The Sixers’ bench played well enough that none of the team’s starters logged a minute in the 4th quarter.

Here are some thoughts on how each player played tonight for Philly (save for the final few garbage-time minutes).

Ben Simmons: Really nice game from Ben. He only finished with 15 points (in 3 quarters, I remind you), but he was aggressive once again. The big story was his defense on Luka Doncic, which was incredible. Doncic went off whenever he was lucky enough to get a switch so Ben wasn’t his nearest defender, but he couldn’t do anything with Ben on him. I can’t wait to see the final stats in their one-on-one matchup.

Joel Embiid: For the third consecutive game, Embiid struggled from the field, shooting only 5-of-20. He got many good looks that just didn’t fall. His defense was excellent in this game, however, and he went his usual ho-hum 11-of-12 from the free throw line.

Tobias Harris: Tobias shot only 2-of-7 from the field before he exited the game with a knee contusion in the third quarter. Here’s hoping it’s nothing serious.

Seth Curry: Curry was really solid, particularly in the first half against his former team. He finished with an efficient 15 points and game-high plus-17.

Danny Green: Fine, unspectacular game from Green. Hit two 3s.

Dwight Howard: Dwight! He was excellent in this game. He finished through contact, rebounded like a maniac, and he only had one foul! 14 points, eight rebounds, three blocks. Would’ve been Brett Brown’s bell-ringer.

Shake Milton: His numbers weren’t great (4-of-13 from the field) but I think Shake is starting to find his footing again. He passed the ball well (six assists) and had some crafty shots in the midrange go down. He tied Curry with a plus-17.

Furkan Korkmaz: Nice game from Korkmaz. Nine points in 17 minutes, hit two 3s.

Mike Scott: It’s been tough sledding for Scott all year, but pressed into duty tonight, he made two of his five attempted 3s and was plus-16 in 22 minutes.

Next for the Sixers is Collin Sexton and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night in Philly.