Sixers Bell Ringer: Sixers’ early lead proves just enough in razor-thin win over Clippers

Sixers Bell Ringer season standings:

Joel Embiid - 20
Tobias Harris - 13
Ben Simmons - 7
Shake Milton - 5
Matisse Thybulle - 2
Danny Green - 2
Tyrese Maxey - 2
Furkan Korkmaz - 2
Dakota Mathias - 1
Tony Bradley - 1

Looking to extend their winning streak to four games, the Sixers jumped all over Los Angeles from the opening tip, surging to a 20-3 lead by hitting every shot in sight and displaying playoff-level intensity on the defensive end. However, led by their hyper-efficient 3-point shooting (19-of-39) and the overall brilliance of Paul George (37 points), the Clippers chipped away at the Sixers’ lead and eventually overtook them midway through the fourth quarter. Down 94-92 with a few minutes left, the Sixers ripped off a 7-0 run to retake control (or so we thought). Thanks to some more big shots from LA, Philadelphia still needed to survive an errant 3-point attempt from Marcus Morris in the final seconds to preserve the 106-103 victory. The Sixers are certainly perfectly the art of the late-game sweat. Who you got for Bell Ringer?

Joel Embiid: 36 points, 14 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 2 turnovers

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Another game, another 36-plus points for Joel Embiid, his third straight such performance. The big man was relentless in attacking the Clippers’ frontcourt, getting starting center Ivica Zubac in first-half foul trouble and absolutely pummeling the Nic Batum-Marcus Morris smallball tandem. In addition to multiple one-legged fadeaway jumpers, Joel earned himself plenty of marches to the foul line, going 16-of-18 there on the evening. His ability to draw fouls was particularly crucial for the Sixers’ late-game offense with Tobias Harris sidelined. Defensively, Embiid was terrific, hedging hard to blow up pick-and-rolls and generally holding his own in any switch situations. It was an MVP-worthy effort from the star center.

Furkan Korkmaz: 18 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 0 turnovers

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Filling in for Seth Curry in the starting lineup, Furkan more than capably filled the role of floor spacer, showcasing his quick decision-making in hoisting 12 3s, making five. While 3-pointers were his primary focus, Korkmaz also contributed an old-fashioned three-point play in the final minute, extending the Sixers’ advantage to six. Whether he’s making it rain or bringing the pain, Furkanity is alive and well in Philadelphia.

Ben Simmons: 12 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 3 turnovers

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It was Ben who made that bold pass downcourt to Furkan for the big late-game bucket, and Simmons’ other big offensive highlight was a double spin move for a lay-in in the second quarter — the “720” as Alaa referred to it on the broadcast. There’s a reason they’re talking about Simmons for Defensive Player of the Year in the post-game coverage, though. With Ben playing the rover role, he was flying everywhere in the half-court defensive sets. He came away with a huge block of Paul George early to help cap off that 20-3 surge, and later took a page out of Matisse Thybulle’s guide book with a “how did he do that” block of a corner 3. But sure, Jazz fans, gush over a Rudy Gobert goaltend.

Danny Green: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, 2 blocks, 0 turnovers

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Although Paul George went supernova in the third quarter, Green did account for four of the Clippers star’s seven turnovers via steals, and had a terrific block from behind to deny him of another bucket. It wasn’t his most efficient night, but two of Danny’s three made 3s came during that initial Sixers run, which set the tone for the rest of the game. Plus, Green put the finishing touch on the win by sinking both free throws to make it a three-point game in the closing seconds.

Tyrese Maxey: 9 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 1 turnover

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I wanted to give Maxey a bit of love here for having his best game in a while. Tyrese converted on one slithery drive to the basket, brought out his patented floater, and confidently knocked down a loooong pull-up 3. With shooting from distance being his swing skill, that’s a great sign. Keep it up, rook.