The Philadelphia 76ers won their first game of the season Friday night, beating the Indiana Pacers 109-105 in overtime. The 76ers had started the season with seven straight losses going into Friday’s game with the Pacers, but the grit and determination of star players like Joel Embiid and Robert Covington led the team to victory.
Philadelphia kept it close for much of the game and had the lead going into the final two minutes.
However, after an unfortunate turnover in the closing seconds, Sixers guard Gerald Henderson fouled Paul George of the Pacers, who would go on to make both foul shots and force overtime. The blown lead was a scene all too familiar for Sixers fans this season as they have seen their team lose several close games against the Cavaliers, Thunder, and Magic.
But thankfully the star center Embiid saved the day for the Philly faithful after scoring five points in the final minute and retaining possession for the Sixers on several key plays. Overall, Embiid tallied 25 points on the night with two assists, seven rebounds and a block. Ersan Ilyasova and Nik Stauskas also had an impressive night, scoring 14 points each, and Ilyasova snagged 11 rebounds and was 3-5 on three pointers.
The result was a welcomed change of pace and a sign of positive things to come within the organization. Throughout the game, the Sixers showed improvements in areas that have cost them in the past. They outscored the Pacers on rebounds 63-42 and had 13 offensive rebounds compared to the Pacers’ four.
They also made 34.4 percent of three point attempts, which proved vital to taking and controlling the lead in the third and fourth quarters.
Despite the costly turnover by Sergio Rodriguez late in the fourth that led to overtime, the Sixers did a much better job holding onto the ball, especially in overtime.
On top of their improved team play standout stars like Embiid, Dario Saric, and Stauskas have continued to shine so far this season. Embiid, who has been dominant in the paint, has also gotten better holding onto the ball in crucial situations. The seven-foot-two center has also been dazzling fans with his fluid three point shots and strong blocking abilities.
Stauskas has been shooting well, scoring 45 points on the season with a 42 percent field goal percentage and is 6-18 with three pointers. Croatian forward Saric is slowly adjusting to the NBA style of play and continues to show great defensive potential in the paint as he currently has 37 defensive rebounds.
One surprise for Philadelphia has been the play of forward Ersan Ilyasova. Ilyasova has made some nice three’s scoring eight on the season and keeps a poised shot under pressure.
A tall and all-around threat, Ilyasova has scored 51 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, all of which have off the bench and show that the Sixers can rely on their bench to get the job done.
Looking forward, the 76ers have some winnable games on the schedule with matchups against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, Nov. 16 and a nationally televised game with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, Nov. 17. The process is working, and with high value players like Embiid, Okafor and Saric getting more minutes, Philadelphia will hopefully continue their winning ways in the weeks to come.
Andrew Heller is a fourth-year student majoring in English with a minor in journalism. He can be reached at AH804286@wcupa.edu.