National Basketball Association

Game Recap: Washington Wizards Vs. Philadelphia 76ers 2OT

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

Oct 6, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots the ball over Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Game Recap: Preseason Washington Wizards Vs. Philadelphia 76ers

WashingtonWizards125

The October 6th match-up featured more than just the second preseason game of the 2016-2017 season. The game was the first and very anticipated for two red-shirted rookies, Joel Embiid and Dario Saric.

It offered the home town fans everything they might have hoped for: highlight reel assists, physical play at the post, clutch shooting, formidable defense, and a double overtime contest. The only aspect missing was a win. In the end, it was a heartbreaking loss for the team’s home debut.

The game was over for both center Joel Embiid and shooting guard Gerald Henderson by halftime, as both players were restricted to 12 minutes of playing time. The contest continued on through regulation play, and then through two overtime periods before finally being decided at the end.

Meanwhile, the contest carried on, finally ending after double overtime. While the team dominated the post (six blocks to just one), the 76ers failed to keep control of the ball, and came up on the short end of the foul whistle. Unfortunately, many of the fouls called on Sixers’ players were not enforced on the Wizards.

Sep 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric (9) during media day at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Rookies Debut

Similar to his first outing, Joel Embiid struggled offensively earlier, but settled down to score five points, hauled in three rebounds, and rejected one shot. Henderson ended his evening by halftime, putting up three points and dishing one assist and pulling in one rebound.

The team found some unlikely scoring leaders in the form of Dario Saric, Richaun Holmes, and Jerami Grant. While Saric added his 14 points through three quarters, Grant and Holmes played into both overtimes. Grant pumped in 17 points, while Holmes led the team with 20 points. Hollis Thompson, who needed a good game, added 15 points which included a key three-point shot to send the game into double overtime.

The 76ers shooting accuracy was impressive, hovering above 50 percent before settling at 48.9 percent at game’s end. However, turnovers continue to plague this team, once again ending at 22 turnovers for the contest.

Oct 6, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Wizards guard Sheldon McClellan (9) attempts to shoot the ball as Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward Jerami Grant (39) defend during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Players of the Game

The Philadelphia 76ers rookie Dario Saric appears to be continuing his Olympics heroics into the NBA. Once more, he has a great looking three that drops in more often than not. But the Player of the Game for this contest was hands down Richaun Holmes. Holmes pumped in 20 points, brought down 12 rebounds, dished off two assists, rejected two shots, and even picked the Wizards’ pockets twice.

Area Needing Improvement

Similar to last season, the Philadelphia 76ers simply had nobody willing to step up and take over the game. That left the ball in the hands of point guard T.J. McConnell, who missed three consecutive shots before Hollis Thompson finally scored a three-pointer to send the game into double overtime.

Oct 4, 2016; Amherst, MA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Brandon Paul (43) shoots the ball over Boston Celtics guard R.J. Hunter (28) during the second half at William D. Mullins Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Health Concerns

In addition to minutes restrictions on Joel Embiid and Gerald Henderson, the team sat Jahlil Okafor, Nerlens Noel, Anthony Barber, Nik Stauskas, and Jerryd Bayless for this contest. Game one hero Brandon Paul suffered an injury during the game and was limited to just under ten minutes for the night.

After a grueling contest, the team’s roster is surprisingly appearing somewhat fragile. Another unexpected absence from the double overtime contest was Elton Brand, particularly in the face of Richaun Holmes scare after the tipoff in double overtime.

Outlook For The Team

Despite limited minutes and the eventual outcome, this was a far improved team from a year ago. Joel Embiid’s mere presence at the post forces the opponent to redirect their charge to the basket. In fact, his play at the post allows Saric to challenge players with the ball.

Offensively, this team needs work. Embiid needs to trust his size and shoot into the defender, rather than fading away. Meanwhile the team’s carry overs from last season in Jerami Grant and Richaun Holmes give confidence that they are ready to ball this season.

The team needs work before they are prepared to win consistently, but you can feel the potential in this roster. Hopefully, all will return to health and get in sufficient minutes to build a solid lineup before opening night.

Looking Ahead

The Philadelphia 76ers will travel to Cleveland to face the Cavaliers on Saturday, October 8th. The Washington Wizards travel to New York to face the Knicks on Monday, October 10th.