NBA 2018-19: 3 Talking points from the Philadelphia 76ers' win over the Washington Wizards
The injury-plagued Wizards side had just routed the West's cream in OKC, before they flew into Philadelphia to face the Sixers. The hosts conjured something of a miracle, drawing a game-high score from one of the most underrated rookies this season, and bested the visitors 132-115.
Only two starters could score in double-figures for Washington, as they were handed their sixth loss of the last ten games. With John Wall (sore left heel) out for the season, and Markieff Morris unavailable with neck stiffness, the future looks bleak for the Wizards as they drop to the 11th spot on the East leaderboard. Scott Brooks' men are currently holding on to a 16-25(0.390) win-loss record, with even a playoff berth fading out of sight.
On the other hand, the Sixers clinched their fourth straight victory, although still stuck at the 4th spot behind the Pacers in the East. They have now won seven of their previous ten clashes and improve to a convincing 27-14(0.659) on the season. At home, the Sixers have lost just three games(NBA-best 18-3) this year and are just three games below the East leaders in the Raptors.
Let's draw out some key takeaways from this Wizards blowout loss as Philly recorded their 18th home win of this season.
#1 Landry Shamet caught fire off the bench and ended up with a game-high total
Shamet has been averaging about 20 minutes per game off the bench for Philly this season. He played around 24 in this game, but what transpired in those minutes must have left a mark. The round 1 pick notched a Sixers rookie record of eight three-pointers and dropped a career-high 29 points for himself.
"He was hot," Embiid said of Landry's red-hot shooting, stopping to literally check the rookie's temperature mid-game.
The highest total for Shamet was 17 points last month against the Knicks, and he hadn't scored in double digits since then. Against the Wizards, he shot 8-of-14 from the distance, and is averaging almost 40% from the three-point territory in his rookie season.