The Sixers duo of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid was at it again on Saturday, linking up for a highlight-reel play against the Suns.
Simmons is cleared for takeoff ✈ pic.twitter.com/26HSJFdYO0
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 13, 2021
Embiid threw a deep bomb to Simmons, which he dunked. Entering the game, the Sixers are at the top of the Eastern Conference standings with an 18-6 record. Meanwhile, the Suns are 15-9 and sit in fourth spot in the Western Conference.
One of the reasons for Philly's strong start to the season has been the MVP-caliber play of center Embiid. Despite sitting out some games, he has put up 29.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.9 dimes, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game.
He has been doing all of these efficiently by shooting 54.5 % from the field, and 38.1% from deep. Even his free throw shooting has improved. On the other hand, Simmons has been averaging 14 points, 8.3 boards, 8 assists, and 1.7 steals per contest. His numbers are a bit lower compared to last season though.
It looks like Sixers head coach Doc Rivers had a positive effect on this team. The arrivals of shooters Seth Curry and Danny Green have provided much-needed spacing to a team whose two best players, Embiid and Simmons do their best work inside the paint.
While Curry and Green can have bad shooting stretches, they still draw the attention of defenders, which opens up the floor. Forward Tobias Harris has also had a strong start to the season.
With Embiid and Simmons leading the way with these type of plays, the Sixers could go further than expected as the season rolls on. They're currently up on Phoenix halfway through the third quarter.
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