The Timberwolves arrived at the Wells Fargo Center for a battle between two teams vying for the 1st overall pick in next years draft. Friday's matchup marked the second meeting of these team, as the Sixers overcame Wolves in Minnesota for their first win of the season in December.
Carter-Williams looked dominant as both he and Nerlens Noel led the 76ers to their 10th win of the season. MCW impressively recorded his 5th triple-double in less than 2 full seasons played. Philadelphia's offense looked controlled and fluid, finally able to break the 100 point mark after 24 games, winning 103-94.
Carter-Williams looked dominant as both he and Nerlens Noel led the 76ers to their 10th win of the season. MCW impressively recorded his 5th triple-double in less than 2 full seasons played. Philadelphia's offense looked controlled and fluid, finally able to break the 100 point mark after 24 games, winning 103-94.
The first half was tightly contested with neither team pulling away before the half. Both offenses were productive in the second quarter, each putting up over 30 points, Philly led 61-59 at the break and 78-77 heading into the final quarter.
The Sixers were finally able to pull away with 10-1 to begin the 4th and briefly held a 10 point lead. a Wiggins jumper brought Minnesota back within 4 with 4:22 remaining but Sixers would score 5 straight and hold the Timberwolves scoreless for over three minutes. Both Mbah a Moute and Carter-Williams would cement the win, each converting their free-throws in the final seconds.
Philadelphia shot 50% from the floor and knocked down 21 of their 25 shots from the foul line. They assisted on 73% of their made shots and had 14 turnovers while forcing 21 from Minnesota. It was the first time the 76ers put up 100+ points in an non-overtime game since December 1st in a loss to the Spurs.
Carter-Williams ended with 17 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds as well as a steal and a blocked shot. Noel was a force on the defensive end, especially in the second half. Nerlens blocked 6 shots and recorded 4 steals. The rookie hit 7 of 8 shots for 14 points while also passing out for 3 assists and grabbing 6 rebounds. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute led the team with 18 points while Covington chipped in 14. McDaniels added 11 points in reserve.
Kevin Martin led the Timberwolves with 19 points and 5 assists off the bench. Gorgui Dieng had 14 points, 10 boards and 3 blocks while Thad Young scored 10 points while collecting 7 rebounds and 4 assists in his return to Philadelphia. Wiggins ended with 15 points.
The 76ers (10-37) will have their third matchup of the season against the Hawks on Saturday. Atlanta (39-8) holds the best record in the NBA and came out on top in their first 2 meetings with Philly.
By: Matt Ryan
The Sixers were finally able to pull away with 10-1 to begin the 4th and briefly held a 10 point lead. a Wiggins jumper brought Minnesota back within 4 with 4:22 remaining but Sixers would score 5 straight and hold the Timberwolves scoreless for over three minutes. Both Mbah a Moute and Carter-Williams would cement the win, each converting their free-throws in the final seconds.
Philadelphia shot 50% from the floor and knocked down 21 of their 25 shots from the foul line. They assisted on 73% of their made shots and had 14 turnovers while forcing 21 from Minnesota. It was the first time the 76ers put up 100+ points in an non-overtime game since December 1st in a loss to the Spurs.
Carter-Williams ended with 17 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds as well as a steal and a blocked shot. Noel was a force on the defensive end, especially in the second half. Nerlens blocked 6 shots and recorded 4 steals. The rookie hit 7 of 8 shots for 14 points while also passing out for 3 assists and grabbing 6 rebounds. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute led the team with 18 points while Covington chipped in 14. McDaniels added 11 points in reserve.
Kevin Martin led the Timberwolves with 19 points and 5 assists off the bench. Gorgui Dieng had 14 points, 10 boards and 3 blocks while Thad Young scored 10 points while collecting 7 rebounds and 4 assists in his return to Philadelphia. Wiggins ended with 15 points.
The 76ers (10-37) will have their third matchup of the season against the Hawks on Saturday. Atlanta (39-8) holds the best record in the NBA and came out on top in their first 2 meetings with Philly.
By: Matt Ryan