NBA
Sixers Third Quarter Surge Ends Warriors Win Streak at Oracle Arena 113-104
The Golden State Warriors faced a motivated Philadelphia 76ers squad last night at Oracle Arena. The Sixers had bad intentions in mind. Not only did they intend to spoil DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins home debut, but they also planned to end the Warriors 11 game winning streak. The shorthanded Warriors seemed in control for the majority of the first half. However, Joel Embiid swung the momentum the Sixers way with a vicious windmill dunk at the end of the second quarter. The Sixers surged in the third quarter, creating a 9 point deficit in the process. The Warriors 4th quarter efforts just weren’t enough and came a bit too late as they fell to the Sixers 113-104.
Boogie Gets Trolled By The Process
This clash between the Warriors and Sixers featured a premier matchup between two of the leagues top heavyweights, DeMarcus “Boogie” Cousins (6’11” 270 lbs) and Joel “The Process” Embiid (7′ 250 lbs). This would serve as a true test for Cousins who has looked impressive since his recent return from a torn left Achilles tendon. Cousins and Embiid’s rivalry dates back to his days as a member of the Sacramento Kings. There was plenty of banter between the two and a friendly game of one-up-man-ship. In the end, Joel Embiid (26 points and 20 rebounds) definitely got the upper hand in this contest. Cousins (7 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists) performance proved to be humbling and served as a reminder. He is well aware that there is quite a way to go before he returns to his all-star form.
Curry’s 41 Point Performance Was Not Quite Enough
To no one’s surprise, Stephen Curry’s marksmen skills were on full display last evening. His 41 points (10-18 3-pt) led the Warriors. However, he had a tall task ahead of him. He received the difficult assignment of guarding the leagues only 6’10” point guard in Ben Simmons. Simmons, who is known for being a strong finisher around the rim, mirrored Embiid’s 26 points. He also grabbed 8 rebounds and distributed 6 assists. Kevin Durant (25 pts, 4 assists, and 4 rebounds) complemented Curry’s skillful performance, but the lack of his Splash Brothers brethren Klay Thompson’s three-point prowess was sorely missed down the stretch.
Christmas Day Prime Time Rematch
The Warriors cannot allow this loss to inhabit too much of their time. They must regroup and prepare themselves for a huge rematch on their home floor from Christmas Day. Lebron James, in the immortal words of hip hop icon Ice Cube, almost messed around and got a triple-double last evening — his first game after missing five weeks due to a groin strain. James netted 24 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists in his return and led his squad to victory over Staples Center rivals the Los Angeles Clippers. Although playing at about 80 percent, he did breath a sigh of relief as he has never missed that length of time due to an injury.
A question which the Warriors will be forced to answer come game time on Saturday will be if Klay Thompson is active or not. To the surprise of many, Thompson was a late scratch on Thursday. To the dismay of Dr. Dre, do not expect there to be any California Love on display during this prime time encounter on Saturday evening. Will the Warriors resume their winning ways by evening out this series in prime time? Or will the Lakers go up 2-0? Tune in to find out!
Written by Todd Smith
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Photo Credit Highlight Store via Flickr
