The Philadelphia 76ers played another winning season opener this past Sunday night against the Portland Trailblazers at the Wells Fargo Center.
When Philly fans made it to their seats they were gifted by the Independence Blue Cross with blue t-shirts for a “blue-out” ball game. The stadium radiant with energy and enthusiasm as the Sixers took their home court for the first time this season with a 94% attendance rate, 18,113 fans in attendance.
The Sixers started the game with a record of 1-1 (both games on the road) and the Trailblazers 0-2.
The game started with players Tyrese Maxey (point guard), P.J. Tucker (power forward), De’Anthony Melton (shooting guard), Tobias Harris (power forward), and Joel Embiid (center).
The Sixers led the first quarter (36-28) as well as the second quarter with a six point lead at the half (66-60). There was some trouble in the foul area during the second quarter with Joel Emiid receiving the first and only technical foul of the game with 4:12 left on the clock.
Aside from Embiid’s outburst that cost him the technical foul, Joel Embiid played a great game for his first night at home. Joel led the first half with 24 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals, and four blocks.
The Trailblazers half leader was Jerami Grant who finished the half with 15 points, two rebounds, and one assist. There were a few moments in the game when the Trailblazers were leading the Sixers, but for the majority the Sixers led. At the half, the Sixers led 66-60.
Throughout the third, the Sixers managed to keep their lead while the Trailblazers desperately tried to get away. The Sixers were on a major hot-streak when Joel Embiid passed the ball to Tobias Harris for a buzzer-beating three point shot to end the quarter with a score of 99-81.
The final quarter consisted of fans leaving early because the win was basically secured at this point. My dad and I even decided to leave with four minutes left to beat the traffic. The starting lineup for both teams were subbed out for bench players, and the joy of winning the home opener began in Philadelphia.
