3 observations after dominant Embiid does it all, Sixers blow out Blazers

3 observations after dominant Embiid does it all, Sixers blow out Blazers originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Joel Embiid reminded Sixers fans Sunday night that their team has the reigning MVP.

Embiid displayed an extraordinary performance in the Sixers’ home opener, racking up 35 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, six blocks, and two steals.

In just 29 minutes of gameplay, Embiid’s dominance propelled the Sixers to a 126-98 blowout victory over the Trail Blazers at the Wells Fargo Center.

Tyrese Maxey also had an impressive performance with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, while Tobias Harris contributed 24 points on 8-for-11 shooting.

Despite the efforts of Portland’s Shaedon Sharpe, who scored a team-high 20 points, the Blazers were no match for Embiid and the Sixers.

Notably, James Harden, who is going through a return to competition reconditioning, was present on the Sixers’ bench during the game. Head coach Nick Nurse mentioned that Harden’s conditioning work has been positive, and the team hopes to have him at practice on Tuesday.

With a current record of 2-1, the Sixers’ next game is a Thursday night matchup against the Raptors. Here are three key observations from their dominant win against the Blazers:

1. Different Game When Embiid is on the Court

The Sixers got off to a slow start, resembling a team playing on the second night of a back-to-back.

However, once Embiid was unleashed on the court, everything changed. His defensive presence disrupted the Blazers’ offense, with Embiid expertly defending against pick-and-rolls. This unsettled Portland’s 19-year-old guard Scoot Henderson, causing turnovers and speeding up the opposition.

Embiid’s stops translated into fast-break opportunities for the Sixers, leading to a 14-0 run. Harris capitalized on a fast-break dunk right after Embiid’s rejection of a Jerami Grant layup.

Portland struggled to match up against Embiid, who ended the first half with an impressive stat line of 24 points, nine rebounds, five blocks, three assists, and two steals.

When Embiid took a rest, Portland began to find success on offense. They closed the gap and even took the lead while Embiid was on the bench. It became evident just how much of an impact Embiid had on the game.

Unhappy with the officiating upon his return to the court, Embiid expressed his dissatisfaction, resulting in a technical foul. The Sixers found themselves trailing by six points after a dunk by Grant, but Embiid quickly reestablished control and led the team to a six-point halftime lead with a powerful dunk over Robert Williams III.

2. A Chaotic Stint for Jaden Springer

The Sixers’ bench lineup did not include Danny Green in Sunday’s game.

Jaden Springer, who had been benched in Saturday’s game against the Raptors, saw action in the second quarter and made quite an impact. Though his physicality and aggression sometimes crossed the line, resulting in four fouls in under four minutes, Springer showcased his anticipation and explosiveness. He made an impressive block and fought for an offensive rebound, displaying no fear on the court. Moving forward, he’ll need to avoid committing fouls at such a high rate.

Kelly Oubre Jr. continued to be the main offensive option for the second unit, scoring 12 points despite shooting a subpar 3 for 10 from the floor. Coach Nurse expressed his belief in Oubre’s potential to be a top-tier defender, but emphasized the need for more consistent performances. Oubre contributed two steals and a block in Sunday’s game.

3. Encouraging Performances from Harris and Melton

While Embiid’s dominance overshadowed everything else, De’Anthony Melton’s excellent passing and Harris’ efficient scoring deserve recognition.

Melton dished out eight assists and committed only one turnover. His standout play was a long-range pass to Embiid, who made an impressive layup despite being fouled. This brought the home crowd to their feet, with Embiid punctuating the moment with his famous crotch-chopping celebration.

Harris showcased his offensive prowess by making smart decisions, pushing the ball in transition, and utilizing his physical strength whenever possible. There was an offensive foul called on Harris while attempting to seal Sharpe in the paint, but the Sixers were pleased with his aggressive play.

When Harris drained a three-pointer in the third quarter to extend the Sixers’ lead to 89-68, it was clear that they were on their way to a comfortable victory, allowing them to rest Embiid and celebrate his dominant performance.