Player grades: Tyrese Maxey, Sixers come up with win over Timberwolves
· Yahoo Sports
PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers returned home on Friday to play host to the Minnesota Timberwolves looking to keep their run to the playoffs going in the right direction. The Sixers needed a win to keep their spot in the top 6 and continue their push to stay out of the play-in tournament and move forward in the East.
The Timberwolves entered the Xfinity Mobile Arena in a similar position as they are currently the No. 6 seed in the West. Both teams exchanged punches back and forth, with the Wolves taking a double-digit lead, but the Sixers dug deep, used a big third quarter, and rallied for a big 115-103 win at home. The win clinched a season series sweep of Minnesota as Philadelphia was able to get the job done.
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Paul George had 23 points, six rebounds, and five assists, Joel Embiid had 19 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists, Tyrese Maxey had 21 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, and Dominick Barlow added seven points and 10 rebounds. Kelly Oubre Jr. had 21 points and Quentin Grimes added 10.
Here are the player grades following the win:
Tyrese Maxey: A
It was a slow start for Maxey as the Wolves limited his touches and opportunities on the offensive end. Before the game, Minnesota coach Chris Finch criticized his team’s one-on-one defense from the previous matchup between these teams on Philadelphia’s guards, but it was much better in this one. Maxey had a tough time breaking free and finding looks, and when he did, he had a tough time converting on them. It changed in the second half as Maxey was able to finally get a step to the basket and find a way to get the scoreboard moving for Philadelphia. He was also terrific on the glass and in terms of his playmaking.
VJ Edgecombe: B
It was a tough ask of Edgecombe in this one. He had to defend Wolves star Anthony Edwards while also having to find a way give the Sixers some offense. To his credit, he forced Edwards into some tough shots and played well defensively, but it was a struggle on the offensive end of most of the night. He had some tough moments on that end as he was unable to convert on his looks. His few buckets in this one came strictly off his basketball IQ and finding a way to be impactful without the ball.
Paul George: A
The Sixers needed somebody to consistently move the scoreboard and George did so in this one. He was big in the second quarter when he was able to use his size, length, and quickness against Timberwolves forward Kyle Anderson and it led to him getting into a rhythm from the floor and to the free-throw line. In a game where offense was at a premium, George was big in this one. His offensive output kept the Sixers in the game when the Wolves did their best to try and pull away. When his teammates got going in the second half, George was fantastic on the defensive end and then picked his spots to contribute on offense.
Dominick Barlow: A
Barlow was a menace to start the night. There were too many lazy block outs by the Timberwolves and that is where Barlow thrives due to the constant energy he plays with out on the floor. He was all over the place defensively and was helpful on the glass in a big way. As the game wore on, he continued to do the little things to help Philadelphia. It was another example of how Barlow stars in his role.
Joel Embiid: B-plus
It was a slow start for Embiid as he shot just 1-for-8 in the opening quarter. He looked a bit slow trying to make any dribble moves and he was unable to get much going on the defensive end either. He was able to make an impact on the glass, but he had a few head-scratching plays on both ends to start the night. After a 1-for-10 first half where he looked completely out of sorts, Embiid went to work against Rudy Gobert in the second half. He was assertive with his offense, was able to get to the line, finished at the basket, and found a way to knock down a triple. He was terrific passing the ball and was directing traffic while also making the effort plays to help the Sixers rally.
Kelly Oubre Jr.: B-plus
The veteran hopped off the bench and gave the Sixers some offense. He had a nice move to the basket and bullied his way inside for a quick bucket and then drilled a corner 3-pointer. He was also tough on the defensive end as he forced the Wolves to do things they didn’t want to do. He was big in the second half as he found a rhythm with his 3-point shot and was able to give the Sixers the offense they needed.
Quentin Grimes: B
Grimes had a couple of aggressive drives to the basket which allowed him to get on the board and give Philadelphia some offense off the bench. He was a pest defensively as he came up with a couple of blocks and was helpful on the glass. He had an overall nice night off the bench.
Andre Drummond: B-plus
The Sixers went to Drummond late in the third and decided to go with a big lineup of Embiid and Drummond. Those minutes were solid and then he was great in the fourth quarter when Embiid was on the bench. He was great on the glass and gave Philadelphia a big boost on both ends. He protected the rim, attacked the glass, and was helpful in all aspects.
Adem Bona: Incomplete
The initial stint for Bona wasn’t terrible. It was more of a mixed bag at the start as he was able to finish inside, but he was able to give the Sixers some help on the defensive end as his athleticism was a help in the paint. He didn’t get a look in the second half.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Player grades: Tyrese Maxey, Sixers come up with win over Timberwolves