3 observations after Embiid posts 30-point triple-double, Sixers blow out Lakers originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia
Joel Embiid came one assist short of a sixth career triple-double Saturday in the Sixers’ win over the Thunder.
He got further than flirting with a triple-double Monday.
Embiid posted 30 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds in a 138-94 victory against the Lakers at Wells Fargo Center. He was able to watch the whole fourth quarter from the Sixers’ bench.
Tyrese Maxey had 31 points and eight assists.
The 10-8 Lakers were led by LeBron James (18 points) and Anthony Davis (17 points, 11 rebounds).
Kelly Oubre Jr. (fractured rib), Danuel House Jr. (left quad contusion) and Jaden Springer (illness) were out for the Sixers.
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse told reporters pregame that Oubre participated in the team’s morning shootaround.
Nurse said he was unsure whether Oubre would practice Tuesday and potentially join the Sixers for their upcoming two-game road trip to New Orleans and Boston.
The Lakers’ Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent and Cam Reddish were out with injuries.
The 12-5 Sixers will visit the Pelicans on Wednesday night. Here are observations on their blowout win over the Lakers:
Foul trouble for Embiid? No trouble for Sixers
Davis was aggressive early in his matchup against Embiid, hitting a couple of jumpers and scoring six of L.A.’s first eight points.
As a team, the Lakers began 6 for 7 from the field. They went up 11-6 on a James transition three.
The Sixers’ situation then appeared to worsen considerably with 8:08 left in the first quarter when Davis drew Embiid’s second foul by driving into the reigning MVP’s chest and getting a generous whistle. As a silver lining for the Sixers, Davis missed the two ensuing free throws.
Nurse took the risk of keeping Embiid in the game despite his two quick fouls. That decision panned out brilliantly.
When the Sixers played zone defense, the Lakers struggled to hit jumpers against it. And when Robert Covington subbed in and guarded Davis, L.A. failed to attack crisply and sustain Davis’ early success. The Sixers put Embiid…
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