What a night for both teams and a wild ending in Charlotte as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Charlotte Hornets in their home court, 122-119 spoiling Kemba Walker's 60-point career night. Jimmy Butler comes up big with a game saving block against Kemba and then hitting a game-winning three-pointer to seal the game. .
In their last match-up only a week ago, the Sixers also defeated the Hornets in an overtime thriller where Joel Embiid shines with his 42 points. In that game, Butler is still with the struggling Wolves and tonight, he proves that he's not a cancer and he makes the Sixers better.
Game Recap
It was a team effort for the Sixers to start the first period where Ben Simmons finds his team mates for some back door plays and transition offense. The Ben Simmons and Jimmy Butler connection is looking pretty good after Simmons dishes a nice alley-oop to Jimmy Butler near half court. JJ Redick and Joel Embiid does their thing in offense while Kemba Walker is very aggressive on the other side of the floor. Redick is firing his three-pointers early in the game while Jojo is dominating in the paint as he always does. Jimmy Butler has been quiet in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Charlotte comes alive with Kemba leading them in offense. Kemba always finds his way to the rim and got some layups against big defenders. He also made a three-pointer to help the Hornets cut the deficit. On the other hand, the Sixers are doing fine in transition. They create their offense in transition early in the second period. Jeremy Lamb helps Kemba in scoring shooting threes and some buckets in the paints and the Hornets cuts the lead to single digit before the first half ends.
It was a close fight since the third quarter began. Both teams are trading baskets inside and out but Kemba Walker's deadly cross over and speed was unmatched as he gave the Hornets the lead with five and a half minute remaining in the third. Kemba walker electrifies the crowd with his continuous scoring and gave the Hornets momentum before the third period ends.
Markelle Fultz started the fourth quarter with a "highlight that wasn't" after he goes behind the back around his waist in transition but Miles Bridges blocking it hardly at the backboard. Jimmy Butler comes alive in the fourth giving Philly a much needed offense and directing the flow of offense to increase their lead midway the final period. He also provided some dishes for an easy baskets from his team mates and created a 10-point lead with three and a half minutes left in the fourth. Kemba did not stop and continue to score to gave the Hornets big shots to get them back to the game.
Kemba was in the zone in the final minutes of the game after he hits big shots after big shots. He was so good that the Sixers could not contain the all-star point guard who is having a hell of a night. I was amazed when the Hornets are down by two with less than 50 seconds remaining then Kemba dances with Jimmy Butler then hits a huge three-pointer off the window and gave them the lead! It's just amazing to see him taking those kind of shots. He's a star who is not afraid of the bright lights and big moments. It was awesome.
Butler had the chance to win the game at the end of regulation but he didn't finish a nice turnaround jumper at the top of the key. The game went to over time. It was a toe-to-toe battle in over time and Kemba Walker continues his brilliant showing but Jimmy Butler shines even more in over time. With 20 seconds left, tie game, Kemba drives to the lane and his shot is swatted away by Jimmy Butler! Then in the last possession, Jimmy Butler ended the game with a cold-blooded three. Jimmy called game!
My Thoughts
Kemba Walker is the most underrated player in the last few years. He has been ballin' every year and hasn't been noticed because of his mediocre team Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets are wasting this man's talent. He should be in a contending team and enjoy his prime in the playoffs. L.A. and Bron needs him!
Who said Minnesota won the trade? Saric and Covington aren't hitting that shot! People also said that his block against Kemba was a foul but when you take a look at it in the replay, Kemba did a little flop there trying to get a whistle and not going for the shot.
Jimmy Buckets is still a top 10 player in the league and a top 5 defender. He can lead the Sixers to the Finals!
Stats
Jimmy Butler - 15 pts, 3 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk
Ben Simmons - 23 pts, 11 reb, 9 ast, 2 stl
Joel Embiid - 33 pts, 11 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 2 blk
Kemba Walker - 60 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast, 4 stl
Jeremy Lamb - 20 pts, 10 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl
Cody Zeller - 10 pts, 7 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl
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