After a rough start, the Sixers were able to pull away with a massive win over the Dallas Mavericks 111-97. Early on, neither team could buy a single bucket, with the Sixers shooting just 32% during the first quarter. Philly overcame that, and continued their fantastic defense, shutting down the Mavericks offense completely.

Ben Simmons had a fantastic defensive statement game, allowing All-Star Luka Doncic to just 19 points and forcing him to commit seven turnovers in under 30 minutes. The rest of the starting lineup shot just 35% from the field, with a single-player unable to shoot over 50%. After the game, Simmons reaffirmed his statement that he feels he is the NBA’s best defender.

Joel Embiid continues with his cold streak, shooting a measly 5/20 but was still able to put up 23 points in the effort. Over his last three games, Embiid has shot just 26% from the field and a total of 14/53. Hopefully, he can find his rhythm soon on offense. Luckily, he has still been a fantastic contributor on the defensive side of the ball during all this.

Tobias Harris left early tonight, suffering a right knee contusion. Hopefully, it won’t be a lingering injury, and he can return to play shortly. Before leaving, Harris had just six points in 22 minutes. 

Shake Milton struggles to find his groove still but seems to be working his way out of it. Milton had ten points and six assists but was his 13th straight game, not shooting over 50%. Tyrese Maxey played just five minutes tonight and continues to find himself on the outside looking in, having struggled the several games prior. Dwight Howard led the bench in scoring, having 14 points in one of his best games this season.

With this win, the Sixers move to 22-11 on the season and remain in first in the Eastern Conference. The dominant home efforts continue, with Philly holding a 14-2 record when playing at Wells Fargo. The 76ers will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.

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Mandatory Credit: Matt Slocum/Associated Press