Top 10 Sixers’ Games from 2018: Part I
The 2018-2019 season was easily the most fun and memorable season since the Allen Iverson era. There are so many games and moments from the season that bring joy to every Sixers’ fan.
Although not every fan’s list will be the same, there is no doubt the games on this list will put a smile on their face.
10: 76ers @ Warriors – January 31st
76ers 113 – Warriors 104
The Golden State Warriors were the defending champions that had just added All-Star Center DeMarcus Cousins to their team. This was one of Cousins’ first games as a Warrior as well, making the matchup extra exciting. Although Klay Thompson was injured for the game, the Warriors still trotted out a lineup of Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Cousins, and Andre Iguodala. The 76ers winning against this team in their own arena made it feel like the Sixers could beat anybody.
Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid shined with 26 points each. Embiid added a ridiculous 20 rebounds and 5 assists while Simmons also had 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. The Sixers managed to win even though Curry dropped 41 points and 10(!) three-pointers.
9: Hornets @ 76ers – November 9th
76ers 133 – Hornets 132 (OT)
This was one of the last wins for the original 2018-19 squad. It is hard to think that players like Dario Saric, Robert Covington, Markelle Fultz, and Landry Shamet were on the team just last season. Perhaps the most mind-boggling thing about this game is that Markelle Fultz started while J.J. Redick came off the bench. An overtime win always makes things extra special.
Embiid dominated with 42 points, 18 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Simmons had 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 13 assists. Saric had 18 points. Kemba Walker, a common thorn in the 76ers’ side, had 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists.
8: 76ers @ Bucks – March 17th
76ers 130 – Bucks 125
The Bucks had not only the best record in the East, but the entire NBA. They also had the future MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. A win in Milwaukee would be a huge sign for Philadelphia, and it was. This was one of the 76ers’ most important games of the season left before the playoffs started – the first real test of the team that now had Tobias Harris, as well.
The game was essentially Giannis vs Embiid. They went back and forth the entire game. Antetokounmpo put up 52 points, 16 rebounds, and 7 assists. Embiid had a stat line of 40 points, 15 rebounds and 6 assists. Jimmy Butler and Redick also helped a lot, as Butler has 27 points and Redick had 19.
7: Rockets @ 76ers – January 21st
76ers 121 – Rockets 93
This game was terrifying heading into it. Jimmy Butler was not going to play and the team was playing James Harden. Harden was in the midst of his historic run, averaging a superhuman 43.6 points per game in the month of January. That is when someone no one saw coming not only saved the day but dominated it. That man? Corey Brewer.
The newly-signed Brewer who was inked to just a 10-day contract went insane on defense. He frustrated Harden like no one had done before. Brewer finished with 11 points, 2 steals, 2 blocks, the most minutes played by any Sixer and a +/- of +17. Brewer’s “Crackhead” style was truly something to admire. Harden still managed 37 points, but he also missed 14 shots, had 6 turnovers and a +/- of -23.
6: Round One, Game 3 – 76ers @ Nets – April 18th
76ers 131 – Nets 115
This was the “Ben Simmons vs Jared Dudley Game.” Dudley had said in an interview prior to the game that “Ben Simmons is a great player in transition. And once you get him into halfcourt, he’s average.” This did not bode well at all for Simmons. With no Embiid, Simmons was determined to be the leader of the team and prove himself.
Going into the game, Simmons was averaging 13.5 ppg in the series. He ended this game with 31 points in a blowout. Simmons went a ridiculous 11 of 13 (85%) from the field and 9 of 11 (82%) from the stripe. Dudley’s stat line? 0 points, 1 rebound, 0 assists, steals, and blocks, 2 turnovers, and 1 foul.
Photo Credit: Wendell Cruz - USA Today Sports
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