Cam Payne Powers Sixers Past Clippers
Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images
There have been few Sixers games since Joel Embiid went down that you leave with a positive feeling. After today’s 121-107 victory of the Clippers, I leave this game with a positive feeling.
Obviously, anyone would be happy after a win, but some potential key Sixers showed some great things today.
Hot Start From Tobias
The Sixers started this game off strong with a great first half from Tobias Harris. Harris scored the game’s first 7 points, and he continued that hot start to a total of 24 points for the game. Harris is at his best when he is getting downhill, and he was doing that early in this game. He was able to utilize the Sixers’ screens and get to his mid-range game. We all want Harris to shoot more from behind the arc, but he is at his best in the mid-range game. Harris has been up and down since Embiid left the lineup, but tonight he showed the kind of scorer he can be. The Sixers and the city of Philadelphia can only hope this game can be a jump start for Harris down the final stretch of the season.
Big Game From Payne
Sixers backup point guard Cameron Payne had himself a big game as he scored 23 points while shooting 50% from three. With Batum and Covington being out of the lineup, and Morris being moved at the trade deadline, the Sixers’ bench has been missing some scoring. This is where Payne stepped up this afternoon. Payne has shown with the Suns that he can perform in the biggest moments the game has to offer, and he is for sure playing himself into the playoff rotation.
The Trade
So far it is fair to say the Clippers have won the James Harden trade. While he did not have his best game tonight from a scoring standpoint, the Clippers are one of the best teams in the NBA since getting Harden, and only K.J. Martin is currently playing for the Sixers. The trade will ultimately be decided by the draft picks. The Sixers have to turn the picks the Clippers have to get an impact player. If not, this may end up as a very one-sided deal.
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