Philadelphia 76ers vs San Antonio Spurs turned out to be an entertainer. The 76ers were as good in the third quarter as the Spurs were in the 4th, minus the last 10 seconds. Center Joel Embiid and forward Tobias Harris added 27 and 25 points, respectively. But it was guard Shake Milton who did the most damage.
With just seven seconds remaining into the final buzzer, the 76ers were trailing 128-130. Shake Milton received a pass and attempted straight for a three-pointer and buried it quite comfortably. The entire team was roaring and there was euphoria in the air of the Orlando bubble.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Joel Embiid is the happiest man today!
In the post-game interview, Joel Embiid seemed satisfied with his side, and especially with Shake Milton. He said, “I was really happy, it’s good to be in that situation and you know hit the game-winner. Extremely happy.” He heaped praises on Shake by adding, “Working really hard, this season and he’s sure enough and that was a big shot he hit. He hit so he gave us the win. I’m extremely happy for him.”
He took to Twitter to celebrate his teammate’s bravery and success in that do-or-die attempt. Here is the post where Joel compares Shake’s attitude with that of Michael Jordan.
Shake came up to me before the game and said “IT BECAME PERSONAL FOR ME” just like MJ lmao!! Nice shot young fella #TheProcess pic.twitter.com/8XMQVdo2Wd
— Joel “Do a 180” Embiid??? (@JoelEmbiid) August 4, 2020
Joel refers to that part of ‘The Last Dance’ documentary where Sonics’ Head Coach George Karl went past MJ on a dinner night without acknowledging him. MJ took it personally and showed the anger in his next game. On the same lines, that what became personal towards Milton got his team a victory. He totally snatched that game out of the hands of an unfortunate Spurs.
What is laid ahead for the 76ers?
As Embiid himself precisely put, “we can’t settle, we all gotta keep getting better because the world we’ve been laying that’s not gonna cut it.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Embiid also explained how he was always doubled whenever he was in the ball’s possession. He is concerned about breaking the defense of Raptors when 76ers play them. His side had earlier lost their season starter against Indiana Pacers who are neck-to-neck with them in rankings. Meanwhile, for now, he has got some reasons to celebrate. The 76ers now stand comfortable at #6 in the Eastern Conference with 40-27.
https://youtu.be/VgPTWL0DjlY?t=30
Philadelphia 76ers will next play Washington Wizards, who will be a comparatively easier target, in August at 4:00 PM ET.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Sources: Leprechaun – YouTube, Basketball Reference, Trending Sports News – YouTube, Joel “Do a 180” Embiid??? – Twitter, Chaz NBA – YouTube