76ers Fall to Wizards in Season Opener

The Philadelphia 76ers began their 2017-18 season on the road in Washington D.C. against the Wizards. John Wall and Bradley Beal combined for 53 points as the Wizards topped Philadelphia 120-115.

Philadelphia made NBA history, as they were the first team to have two number one draft picks, Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons, make their debut in the same game. Fultz had a strong debut, finishing with 10 points, three rebounds and one assist while attacking the paint at will.

Ben Simmons, the top pick in the 2016 draft did not disappoint in his NBA debut. He missed all of last season due to injury and finished the opener with 18 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Joel Embiid also had a strong start to the season with many wondering if his minutes would be restricted to start the season. It was announced by Coach Brett Brown that he would probably play in the teens but by the end of the third quarter he was at 21 minutes. He finished the game playing 26 minutes with 18 points, 13 rebounds and one block.

Robert Covington had a huge game from beyond the arc finishing 7-for-11. For the game he finished with a team-high 29 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. After finishing the third quarter down 90-82, it looked as if the 76ers were out of it, but Covington and Jerryd Bayless sparked an 11-0 run at the start of the fourth. Turnovers and foul trouble became an issue as the Wizards began to extend their lead. Down by six points with five minutes left in the game, Coach Brown put Embiid back in. The Sixers had a chance to tie the game or take the lead in the final minute but two turnovers proved costly. With 16 seconds left, veteran J.J. Redick attempted a three to tie the game but it was no good as the Wizards escaped with the win.

Although they lost their first game of the season, the Sixers put up a fight as all five starters scoring in double digits. Fans will be in for an exciting season as long as they “Trust The Process.” The 76ers take on the Boston Celtics (0-2) on Friday in their home opener at the Wells Fargo Center.