The Sixers took down the Mavericks at home by a score of 111-101 and part of the reason for the team’s success was how they defended Luka Doncic.
“We just did a good job of mixing it up,” James Harden told FortyEightMinutes and other media in Philadelphia. “They’re a really great offensive team. And its power is geared by him [Luca Doncic]. So we wanted to mix it up. Show a little bit of zone, show man. Be aggressive with him. I’m sure he sees a lot of different defenses every night. Night in and night out. Just try to be aggressive, try to be active with our hands. And making shots tough.”
Doncic made just five of his 20 attempts on Friday night and had six turnovers in the loss. It’s the second straight year that Doncic has struggled in his lone trip to Philadelphia. Last season, it was Ben Simmons who locked Doncic down; this year, it was more of a team effort to slow down the All-Star guard.
More From Philadelphia
- The Sixers’ offense becomes more unstoppable when Matisse Thybulle is hitting shots and Harden spoke about the confidence he has in the wing to continue to do so. “Especially if it’s in rhythm, he’s open. Shoot it. He knocked a couple down today. At least a couple I think,” Harden said. “But just his confidence. He puts the work in for it. Shoot the shot. He makes a couple of those and the game opens up for him a lot. He works so hard defensively that he deserves to get a couple offensively.”
- Joel Embiid entered the past two games with a questionable designation because of back soreness, though he did end up suiting up in both contests. Embiid explained to the media that he’s pushing through. “I’m okay. I’ve just got to keep pushing. Fourteen more games, so we’re almost there. Then we figure out the rest later. I’m fine. Just gotta keep pushing.
- The Sixers’ championships’ odds entering the contest were +700 and they remained unchanged following the win over the Mavericks (via PointsBet).
- ICYMI: Embiid spoke at length about why he continues to go by The Process and explains why he believes the NBA pushed out Sam Hinkie.
Betting on the NBA? Get Up to $2,000 in Risk-Free Bets at PointsBet
Use Promo: MVPBET
Read More on the NBA
Rumors: Joel Embiid Wanted Bradley Beal over James Harden at Trade Deadline?
