Coming off an outstanding performance on Wednesday night against Russell Westbrook and the Thunder, the Sixers fell to the Utah Jazz tonight 89-83. The Sixers led by one at the break, but couldn’t seem to keep the momentum going in the second half. The offense became stagnant at times, but especially in the 3rd quarter when the team only produced 13 total points. Robert Covington was also back from his two game hiatus due to an elbow injury, but failed to contribute his usual numbers as he went a rough 1-8 from the floor and 0-4 from deep. This should come as no shock though as the Jazz have been on a great defensive stretch as of late and are holding opponents to 83.0 points per game according to NBA.com.
Even though the team has struggled as a whole offensively doesn’t mean there hasn’t been a few bright spots. Isaiah Canaan was coming off a career night and put up 16 points that included 4 three’s. He has been getting the job done as far as scoring goes. Where MCW struggled from deep, Canaan seems to be perfectly adept at pulling the trigger. Canaan’s counterpart, Ish Smith, also scored 14 points to go along with 7 assists.
The big story from tonight though should be the double-doubles that came from Nerlens Noel and newly acquired Thomas Robinson. Robinson has been a pleasant surprise after he was picked up of off waivers a couple weeks back. He continues to make the most of his limited playing time by grabbing rebounds and converting easy buckets. Robinson finished up Friday night with 11 points and 12 rebounds in just over 15 minutes of play. Noel was right there with him with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Its tough to see a spot in the future for Robinson on the Sixers as they still do have Embiid waiting in the wings, but I see no reason as to why he couldn’t be an effective big man off of the bench. If Robinson has been one thing in his stint in Philly, its been efficient.
The Sixers did try to climb back for the W, but it ended up not being enough. Jerami Grant also exited the game early with back spasms.
The Sixers will get right back at it tomorrow against the Atlanta Hawks who won an eastern conference battle tonight against Lebron James and the Cavs.
