Sixers Bell Ringer: Sixers are completely cursed; Embiid, McCain and Yabusele lead in loss to Grizzlies

Joel Embiid, Jared McCain and Guerschon Yabusele led the Philadelphia 76ers nearly to a comeback over the Memphis Grizzlies before falling short for the Sixers’ fifth consecutive loss.

Sixers Bell Ringer regular season standings:

Jared McCain – 6

Tyrese Maxey – 2

Paul George – 2

Guerschon Yabusele – 2

Kelly Oubre, Jr. – 1

It’s starting to feel a bit like Groundhog Day with this team. Just me?

The Philadelphia 76ers fell 117-111 to the Memphis Grizzlies in a game that saw Paul George leave early with a hyperextended left knee (yes, the same knee, again).

There were a lot of Sixers fans’ eyes on this game to see how the team would respond on the court after an eventful beginning of the week off the floor. Following an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the Miami Heat on Monday night, the team held a meeting postgame in the locker room that reportedly included Tyrese Maxey calling out Joel Embiid for being late “for everything.” Just another day in the Sixers Drama School.

The team had some good news pregame that Maxey, sidelined for the past six games with a hamstring strain, would play. The Sixers’ Big 3 of Maxey, Embiid and George were finally going to play their first game together, 14 games into the season. Jared McCain retained his position in the starting five as well.

Well, the Big 3 did play together, but it wasn’t the dramatic debut fans might have been hoping for. Maxey was on a minutes restriction and George struggled shooting before exiting the game early with that hyperextended left knee, so the trio only played a few minutes together. Of course.

A lot of this game boiled down to the fact that the Sixers can’t hit three-pointers and the Grizzlies were sinking every one. After narrowly trailing to end the first frame, Memphis hit eight triples in the second to take a double-digit lead over Philadelphia—they never trailed again. For maximum chaos, the Sixers decided to go on a 9-0 run towards the end of the fourth that pulled them within two possessions of the Grizzlies. But, of course, they fell short in the end. The Sixers have lost five in a row.

For a full recap of tonight’s contest, check out ours here!

The 2-12 Sixers now get to head back home after a disaster of a road trip to host the 6-9 Brooklyn Nets in some NBA Cup group stage action on Friday night.

Until then, let’s get to the Bell Ringer, if anyone still cares.

Joel Embiid: 35 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block

Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images

Embiid looked the best tonight he has so far this season. I know, not the highest bar to clear, and he’s certainly not at the top of his game… but right now, him playing decent and looking more comfortable is something to be grateful for. Tonight, he looked aggressive in a way he hasn’t consistently to begin this campaign. He wasn’t just settling for jumpers, he was driving into contact, using his body more, going vertical with more ease and finishing strong.

The question has been, as Embiid continues to get back into the groove after starting the season late, whether he is able to sustain these things throughout a whole game. Tonight, he did. Embiid continued his aggression on offense while also integrating more activity and engagement on defense in the second half—something he wasn’t stellar at in the first 24 minutes tonight. He sustained himself and his level of performance well for over 35 minutes on the floor tonight. That’s a great step in the right direction.

Embiid finished with a field-leading 35 points on 10-for-21 field goal shooting (14-of-14 from the line) with 11 rebounds, two assists, a steal and a block.

Fans have a very low patience level for Embiid right now, and I don’t blame them. But this is a step in the right direction. He seems to be starting to trust his knee and himself physically a lot more. He’s being more aggressive going into contact, finishing up strong and drawing fouls. His endurance is noticeably better and longer lasting. These are all good things. It’s easy for fans to not see the forest for the trees right now with anything regarding this team, especially when it comes to Embiid, but this was a decent game from the big man and hopefully a sign of better things to come from him.

Guerschon Yabusele: 17 points (5-for-6 3PT), 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block

Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

Yabusele was subbed in late in the first period on Wednesday night after not appearing until late in the third period Monday night against the Miami Heat. Tonight, Yabu certainly seemed like he wanted to prove that he belongs in Nick Nurse’s early-game rotation, and that he did.

Putting up 17 points off the bench, the Dancing Bear was absolutely on fire from long range, sinking 5-of-6 (83.3%) of attempts from beyond the arc. The Sixers sank just 11 triples total out of 33 attempts—it has been one of many horrendous patterns to plague this basketball team. Having someone that can come off the bench and shoot them confidently and without hesitation is a huge boost for the Sixers production.

Even when he doesn’t make his shots, though, Yabu is fighting to make things happen. Of four rebounds from him tonight, three were on the offensive end. On the one triple he did miss against the Grizzlies, Yabusele tracked down the offensive board and turned it into an assist on an Andre Drummond dunk. He is the hustle and energy guy this team so desperately needs when it comes to rebounding.

Yabusele finished with 17 points on 6-for-8 field goal shooting including those five triples mentioned earlier, and added on four rebounds, two assists and a block. All in just over 19 minutes on the floor.

Jared McCain: 20 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists

Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images

This is the sixth straight 20-point performance from McCain. It somehow already feels normal and expected of the 20-year-old guard, but he just continues to impress.

McCain is confident in his footwork and athleticism to drive right around any number of defenders, is finishing smooth at the rim and isn’t afraid to let it fly from long range, even if they aren’t all falling for him. His passing continues to exemplify experience beyond his years, including this smart and accurate no-look dime to Yabusele for a transition bucket:

McCain ended up second only to Embiid in scoring for the Sixers with 20 points on 6-for-13 field goal shooting going 3-for-7 from long range. He also had two rebounds and five assists.

It wasn’t a perfect night for McCain with three turnovers and some struggles on the defensive end, but when you put it all into context that he is just in his 14th game of his career, it is simply amazing how refined and successful this kid’s game already is.