Basketball Sixers start 2018 with win over Spurs by Thomas Radachi January 4, 2018 The Philadelphia 76ers (18-19) rang in the New Year with a 112-106 win at home against the San Antonio Spurs (26-13). The win snapped a 12-game losing streak against the Spurs giving the Sixers their first win against them since February 11, 2011. It was also Philadelphia head coach Brett Brown’s first win over his former mentor Gregg Popovich. Prior to the game, Joel Embiid was listed as out with a sprained hand suffered in the previous game against Phoenix. The Spurs announced Rudy Gay, Manu Ginobili, Danny Green, Kawhi Leonard and Tony Parker would sit after playing the Knicks the night before. Embiid’s status changed twenty minutes before the game and he was back in the starting lineup. The Sixers took advantage of the Spurs resting their star players early on. Embiid’s hand didn’t seem to bother him posting six points, six rebounds, three assists and four blocks in the first quarter. The Sixers looked impressive in the second quarter, sharing the ball and playing aggressive. Turnovers have been a struggle throughout the season but only committing five was an improvement. Embiid got the home crowd fired up to start the second half, assisting on a Ben Simmons slam. Unfortunately, the turnover issues allowed San Antonio to cut what was once a double-digit lead down to four. San Antonio fought back in the fourth quarter to tie the game and eventually take the lead thanks to a three by Patty Mills. It would be the first lead by the Spurs since early in the first quarter. Popovich employed the Hack-A-Ben strategy as Simmons is known to struggle at the free-throw line ,but Simmons responded hitting three-of-four retaking the lead. J.J. Redick hit a clutch shot to put the Sixers up by four with under a minute remaining. He finished with 20 points, four assists and two rebounds. Following a turnover from the Spurs, Robert Covington found Simmons cutting to the basket for a dunk to extend the lead further. Dario Saric sealed the deal with two free-throws giving the Sixers their first win of 2018. Simmons led the team with 26 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. He shot well from the free-throw line going 10-of-15 for the night. Embiid contributed 21 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. The 76ers look to extend their win streak to four at home on Friday against the Detroit Pistons (20-16). Post Views: 1,297 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts Thomas Radachi Latest posts by Thomas Radachi (see all) Sixers start 2018 with win over Spurs - January 4, 2018 76ers beat Hawks for first home win of season - November 2, 2017 Ben Simmons’ First Triple-Double Gives 76ers first win of the Season - October 25, 2017 76ers Fall to Wizards in Season Opener - October 19, 2017 Related TopicsBen SimmonsBrett BrownJ.J. RedickJoel EmbiidPhiladelphia 76ersSan Antonio Spurs Click to comment You must be logged in to post a comment Login Leave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment. Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! Women in Sports: NHL Network Host, Jackie Redmond by Nicholas Durst | posted on March 4, 2019 XFL Co-Owner Dany Garcia Talks Business, Serving Others at espnW Women + Sports Summit by Candace Cordelia | posted on October 23, 2020 Fighting Words: Bellator is Giving Hardy the Credit She Deserves by Kristine Haugsjaa | posted on October 20, 2017 How To Avoid Scams When Purchasing Football Tickets Online by Guest | posted on July 23, 2020 From Paramus High School to CBS Sports, Spero Dedes is making waves in sports broadcasting by Sunil Sunder Raj | posted on October 27, 2020 More in Basketball You Know I’m Right, Episode 111: New York Giants’ Insider John Schmeelk (Audio/Video) On the 111th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 107: New York Post’s Columnist Mike Vaccaro (Audio/Video) On the 107th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 97: SNY’s Michelle Margaux (Audio/Video) On the 97th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined SNY’s... WNBA Rolling Out Red Carpet For Upcoming 25th Anniversary Season The WNBA’s 25th season also marks the debut of the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup. Baseline Jumper Episode Eight: New Year, New NBA Podcast Game On! Temple still Scheduled to Face Cincinnati Thursday night