The Sixers took control from the beginning | 76ers-Kings best/worst
The tone was set with a 42-21 first quarter advantage for the Sixers.
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The 76ers were without injured starters Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid and Seth Curry but they didn’t miss a beat in Saturday’s 129-105 win over the Sacramento Kings at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers earned a 42-21 first quarter advantage and were never seriously challenged from there.
» READ MORE: Minus three starters, the Sixers beat the Sacramento Kings, 129-105
Here’s a look at the best and worst performances:
Best performance
This goes to Tobias Harris, who came close to his first career triple-double. Harris had 29 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists. He shot 12 of 18, including 2 of 3 from three-point range. More importantly, Harris and fellow veteran starter Danny Green set the tone early. Harris scored 10 points in the first quarter, shooting 4-6 while hitting both threes. More importantly he was a facilitator with four first quarter assists and no turnovers. Without three starters, Harris (and Green who scored 18 points) were aggressive from the beginning.
Worst performance
Former Sixers center Richaun Holmes had a game-worst minus-28. Holmes had as many personal fouls (4) as rebounds. Holmes, who is second in the NBA in field goal percentage (64.1%), shot 4 for 10. In the first quarter, he shot 1 for 3 and was a minus-18.
Best defensive performance
Green not only set the tone, along with Harris on offense, but he was all over the floor defensively. Green had as many steals (3) as the entire Sacramento team. Two of those steals came in the first quarter. What’s more, all three steals led to a total of seven Sixers points.
» READ MORE: Sixers Ben Simmons endorses himself for NBA defensive player of the year
Worst statistic
The game was essentially decided in the first quarter and the Kings allowed the Sixers to shoot 16 for 26 (61.5%) including 6 of 8 (75%) from three-point range. The game was essentially over after that quarter. Not only were the Sixers getting open three’s, but driving to the basket was no problem against the Kings leaky defense.
Best of the best
Every Sixers starter shot at least 50 percent from the field and every starter who attempted at least two three-pointers also shot 50% or above. Here are the shooting figures: Harris (12-18, 2-3); Green (7-13, 4-6); Tony Bradley (6-8, 0-0); Matisse Thybulle (3-6, 2-4) and Shake Milton (9-17, 1-2).