The next game for the 76ers (1-3) is Wednesday against the Raptors (2-2) in Toronto, kickstarting a four-game road trip to close out the first month of the new season. The second game will also be played in Toronto (Friday), followed by stops in Chicago (Saturday) and Washington (Monday).
The Sixers captured their first win of the 2022-23 campaign at home on Monday night. They defeated the Indiana Pacers, 120-106, behind a 29-point performance from James Harden.
Last update: 27 October, 2022
Harden’s 29 points were a game high, as were his 11 assists. His nine rebounds led the Sixers. The 10-time All-Star says the team continues to build chemistry, especially when it comes to passing.
“It’s just a trust factor that we’re building as a team,” Harden said postgame. “It’s a trust factor on both ends of the floor. [As] we continue to build that game by game, you’ll see some really good things out of us.”
The home team’s emphasis on pace and ball movement was evident from the jump on Monday. One play in particular – a perfectly-timed backdoor pass from Joel Embiid to a cutting Harden early in the first quarter – showcased the type of patience that Embiid later said was a focus.
“That was really the plan going into the game,” said Embiid. “Trying to make sure everybody touched the ball and the ball was moving side to side. No more overdribbling. Trying to make sure the team has an identity where we just know what to do as far as moving the ball side to side. That was my plan going into the game.”
The Sixers’ bench accounted for 36 points, led by Georges Niang (13 points, three 3-pointers) and his instant energy.
“We were flying around out there,” Niang said of the reserves. “We want to come in and bring energy and impact the game. That’s what we were able to do… Getting in there and getting some loose balls. When you make shots, the game’s a lot easier.”
Tyrese Haliburton paced Indiana with a 19-point, 10-assist double-double, plus six rebounds. The former Sacramento lottery pick also committed a game-high four turnovers.
Philadelphia’s De’Anthony Melton was listed on Tuesday afternoon’s injury report as questionable for the upcoming game against the Raptors due to right adductor tightness.
Monday’s Key Contributors
James Harden
In 35 minutes of action, Harden shot 10-for-18 from the field, 5-for-10 from 3-point range, and 4-for-4 from the foul line to total his 29 points. He added nine rebounds, 11 assists, and two steals for his second straight point-assist double-double.
Joel Embiid
Embiid tallied 26 points (8-13 fg, 1-3 3fg, 9-9 ft), five rebounds, and a game-high three blocked shots in 28 minutes.
Tobias Harris
Harris poured in 18 points (7-14 fg, 4-10 3fg) on top of eight rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in 29 minutes.
Georges Niang
In 21 minutes off the Philadelphia bench, Niang added 13 points on 4-for-7 shooting overall, 3-for-6 from beyond the arc, and 2-for-2 from the foul line.
De’Anthony Melton
Like Niang, Melton also scored in double figures off the bench, posting 11 points (3-6 fg, 2-4 3fg, 3-3 ft), five rebounds, one assist, and a steal in 17 minutes.
Wednesday’s game between the Sixers and Raptors is a 7:30 p.m. ET start.
Fred VanVleet, a first-time All-Star last season, tallied a team-high 24 points and a game-high nine assists in the victory. Pascal Siakam posted 23 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks, while Gary Trent Jr. added 18 points. Precious Achiuwa played 34 minutes off the Raptors’ bench and pulled down a career-high 22 rebounds with 10 points.
2021-22 NBA Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes (right ankle sprain) and offseason acquisition Otto Porter Jr. (left hamstring strain) missed the game. Porter Jr. has yet to make his team debut as a result of the injury, while Chris Boucher returned to action for the first time on Monday after recovering from a hamstring injury of his own.
As of Tuesday evening, Barnes was listed as questionable and Porter Jr. was listed as doubtful.
Christian Koloko, a 7-footer and starter in the previous game, was the No. 33 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by Toronto. Koloko, teammate Pascal Siakam, and the 76ers’ Joel Embiid are the only three current NBA players from Cameroon.