3 observations after Sixers’ winning streak ends with tight loss to Pacers

Sixers stumble 132-126 against Pacers, ending 8-match winning streak

The Sixers are no longer unbeaten and their winning streak came to an end with a narrow 132-126 defeat by the Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday night.

The Sixers’ record slips to 8-2 despite a stellar performance from Joel Embiid who scored 39 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. De’Anthony Melton recorded a season-high 30 points, with Tyrese Maxey scoring 27 and Tobias Harris scoring 22. Leading scorers for the Pacers were Tyrese Haliburton with 33 points and Obi Toppin with 27 points.

The two teams face off again as the third of their four group-play games will be on Friday night against the Hawks.

Nicolas Batum and Kelly Oubre Jr. were both absent, but Batum was described as being in “good spirits” by coach Nick Nurse. Oubre was not the only injury concern, as Embiid was listed as questionable with a left hip soreness, but has yet to miss a game.

The Sixers will continue to play the Celtics at home on Wednesday night. This defeat and the Pacers’ strong teamwork put an end to the Sixers’ winning streak.

Haliburton leads first half’s game

Instead of Embiid and Maxey, the Sixers’ Harris stood out and scored the first eight points for the team. Maxey may have been short of his 50-point performance, but he was instrumental in a solid defensive display.

Embiid was, unsurprisingly, at the heart of the Sixers’ play and was particularly effective in the first half. Meanwhile, Haliburton was the star of the show for the Pacers, with impressive assists and scoring, leading Indiana in a relentless pace.

Melton takes center stage

The Sixers faced a lack of offensive output from their secondary players. They struggled with three-point frequency and accuracy, hitting only 6 of 22 threes. However, Melton stood out with four three-pointers and an aggressive driving game.

Sixers battle in the fourth quarter

The Sixers found themselves trailing by a point early in the fourth quarter. The game stalled as Harris needed attention following an awkward fall, leading to a chaotic and dramatic fourth quarter. Embiid made an important jumper, but the Pacers responded strongly to take the game. This unusual sequence typified the unexpected and chaotic nature of the game.

The Sixers’ loss to the Pacers marks the end of an impressive eight-match winning streak for the team, but they’re still poised confidently for future matches.

Reference

Emily Turner

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