Sixers Joel Embiid Portland

Sixers close 2024 on a high note, dominate Blazers 125-103

Joel Embiid and the Sixers rang out 2024 in style, steamrolling the Portland Trail Blazers for their fourth straight win. Embiid dropped a season-high 37 points and standout performances across the board, Philadelphia flexed its potential as they gear up for a pivotal stretch in the new year.

Sixers Game Highlights:

Joel Embiid: From Shaky Start to Unstoppable Force

After a sluggish first quarter filled with tough shots, turnovers, and poor positioning, Embiid found his rhythm in the second quarter and never looked back. His two-man game with Tyrese Maxey completely unraveled Portland’s defense, and once he got rolling, there was little the Blazers could do to stop him.

EMBIID: 37 PTS | 9 REB | 3 AST | 12-13 FT

Embiid’s 14-point second quarter featured a mix of pick-and-roll dominance, midrange mastery, and even a rare dunk that reminded everyone just how dangerous he can be when he commits to attacking the rim. It should also be a reminder that Embiid needs to start the Sixers offense from the paint but right now, I’ll take the performance and keep it moving- his defensive presence and shotmaking more than made up for it.

Tyrese Maxey: Smart and Steady

The Eastern Conference Player of the Week didn’t dominate the scoring column, but his ability to read and react to Portland’s defensive schemes was instrumental in the Sixers’ success.

He was aggressive early, making the defense pay with open jumpers, and later shifted into a game-management role, making crisp passes and keeping the offense flowing.

Maxey x Embiid 2-Man Game is Looking ELITE

“The Frenchman Conquered the Pacific Northwest”

Yabusele has become a folk hero in Philly for good reason. His thunderous second-quarter dunk on Deni Avdija brought the Sixers to life, sparking a run that effectively put the game out of reach.

Beyond the highlight reel, Yabusele’s hustle plays, floor dives, and defensive efforts set the tone for the Sixers. He has also been quietly effective as a shooter and secondary playmaker, making him a valuable piece of Nick Nurse’s rotation.

Kelly Oubre’s Defensive Masterclass

Oubre tied his career high with eight steals—six in the first half—and was relentless on both ends of the floor. His defense on Portland’s primary scorers helped force 18 turnovers, and his off-ball activity disrupted any semblance of flow for the Blazers’ offense.

Sixers Game Notes (Bad)

  • Paul George was bad everywhere. Early foul trouble, no rhythm at all. Minimal effort defensively. I’m not going to call him Tobias 2.0 but I’m damn close.
  • Kyle Lowry wasn’t even playing playing but got a tech celebrating the Yabo dunk above.
  • Chauncey Billups challenging a call 36 seconds into the game was….something.
  • Embiid initiating the offense from beyond half court is an experiment that needs to end.

Sixers Game Notes (Good)

  • Joel Embiid.
  • Pete Nance Garbage Time Heroics: Nance hit a couple of threes in garbage time, which didn’t matter to the result but gave the fans—and the bench—something to cheer about.

The Sixers wrapped up 2024 on a high note and continue to climb up the ranks at 13-17 on the season- tied for the 10th seed and three games back of the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference Standings

Four straight wins and some momentum, Philly fans have plenty of reasons for optimism heading into 2025. Here’s hoping the new year brings continued growth—and more Yabusele dunks.

Previous: Sixers grind out 114-111 win over Jazz, extend winning streak to three games

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