The Cleveland Cavaliers have had a difficult time with the Philadelphia 76ers this season. Coming into their matchup against Philly, the Cavs were 0-2 versus the 76ers after losing both games in Philadelphia.
The Cavs battled the 76ers for the third time this season Wednesday night, but this time, they played Philly at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
However, the result was the same.
Behind Joel Embiid’s 35 points and 17 rebounds, Tyrese Maxey’s 25 points, and James Harden’s 21 points and 11 assists, the 76ers defeated the Cavs 118-114.
Cleveland(39-30) has now lost nine of their last 13 games; Philadelphia(42-26) moves to 7-2 with Harden in the lineup.
Here’s the Great, Not So Great, and Bottom Line of the Cavs’ loss to Philadelphia.
The Great for the Cavs:
-Isaac Okoro had his second consecutive strong game for the Cavaliers. Okoro had 17 points, including three threes and five rebounds. The second-year guard had 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists against the Clippers Monday night and kept the flow going against Philadelphia.
-Darius Garland led the Cavs with 22 points, five rebounds, and seven assists. The All-Star shot 5/15 from the field but made 11/12 free throws.
-Moses Brown, who signed a 10-day contract with Cleveland last week, gave the Cavs some great minutes Wednesday night. In 11 energetic minutes, Brown had eight points, two rebounds, two steals, and a block. Brown, who was +5 Monday night, may have definitely earned a second 10-day contract with this performance.
Third Quarter: The Cavs trailed 72-59 at halftime. However, in the third, they finally woke up. After the 76ers took an 11-point lead(79-68) with just under eight minutes to go, Cleveland went on a 19-6 run to take their first lead. The Cavs shot 55% from the field, including 63% from three-point range in the quarter, and they held Philadelphia to 26% shooting from the floor, including 0/8 from downtown. Cleveland outscored the 76ers 31-13 in the quarter and took a 90-85 lead into the fourth.
The Not So Great for the Cavs:
First Half: The Cavs got off to a slow start against the 76ers. They let Philadelphia shoot 58% from the field in the first half, and, like most of the NBA, had no answer for Embiid, who had 20 points and 11 rebounds at the break. Ultimately, Philly scored 72 points in the first half.
Fourth Quarter: Philly started the fourth quarter on a 6-0 run to take the lead back. From there, it was a back-and-forth affair. Lauri Markkanen hit a three to give Cleveland their final lead of the game at 104-103 with just under four minutes to go. However, the 76ers took the lead back for good on a James Harden floater with 3:20 left in the game. Philadelphia shot 64% from the field and 67% from deep in the quarter and outscored Cleveland 33-24 in the final stanza.
Bottom Line:
The Cavs just can’t get over the hump against Philadelphia. They played well at times, especially in the third, but could not close out the game. If the playoffs were to start today, they would play Philly in the first round, which might be a tall order for the Cavs.
Cleveland competed, but it was not good enough against the 76ers.
You thought Cleveland could be safe after they defeated the Raptors on March 6 to take a three-game lead in the standings. However, as you look at the standings now, you have to be a little concerned.
Cleveland and Toronto(39-30) are tied for the sixth spot in the East, but the Cavs hold the tiebreaker as they lead the season-series versus the Raptors 3-0. However, Toronto has won five straight after going 5-0 on their west coast road trip.
The top six teams in the conference are guaranteed a playoff spot. Seeds 7-10 have to compete in a Play-In Tournament to make the playoffs.
What’s Next:
Cleveland continues their five-game homestand as they host the Nuggets Friday night.
Best of the Rest:
-Cleveland had six players in double figures Wednesday night. Caris LeVert had 15 points and seven assists off the bench.
-Cedi Osman was a healthy scratch, and according Cavs head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, he wanted to give Dylan Windler minutes.
Watch below as Garland talks loss to the 76ers, more:
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