For the seventh straight game the Philadelphia "76'er's" alternated wins and losses. Tonight was a significant W, in Cleveland against the young, talented, but erratic "Cavaliers." Philly jumped all over Cleve in the first taking a 7 point lead into the 2nd, then augmented that for a huge 13-point half time lead. But Cleve roared out in the 3rd, outscoring Phil by 18, 31-13, and leading by five heading into crunch. For Cleveland it was the Fold in the Fourth. Philly outscored them by 9 for the 118-114 win.
Cleveland can sorta be excused, although they were at home. For the visitors it was another up-and-down, uneven outing, just as their last seven have been. Phil's starters were tremendous: Embiid 35 and 17; James 21 and 11 asts; Electric Maxey had 25 on 9/15 (3/6) shooting. Harris had 19. As a team the "Sixers" shot 51.9% from the field--superb. But Philly has to start meshing for 48 consistent minutes and they have to start playing defense. Once again, the "Sixers" defense was the Ole type. Cleveland shot 48.8% themselves and could have won the game.
Philadelphia remains a wobbly third in the East, a game and a half behind Beer and 3 games behind Miami. Cleveland has lost 3 of 4, not exactly the trend you want for the final 13 games of the regular season and is barely clinging to the last no-play-in 6th slot, one-half game ahead of 7th Toronto.
All eyes are on Philadelphia. They can win two straight since March 2 and 4 Friday night at home. But the opponent is formidable, 43-26 Dallas, and High Alert to Philly--they beat the "Nets" in the Borough tonight 113-111. No Kyrie of course but plenty of KD. An acid test for the "Sixers" Friday night. I think they'll lose.
