The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Sacramento Kings 139-118 on Thursday night. VJ Edgecombe had a historic night as he scored a career-high 38 points and dished out a career-high 11 assists, becoming the 76ers’ fourth rookie to score 30 points and 10 assists in a game, but Justin Edwards also had a big night.
Edwards scored a career-high 32 points against the Kings and hit a career-high seven three-pointers. He used his shooting ability to force the Kings to make adjustments, and then he punished them by putting the ball on the floor and attacking the paint.
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Edwards’ night is so wonderful that it demands a film study. This wasn’t just one game, but several games where Philly stepped up and helped the Sixers get the job done.
Here are five highlights from Edwards in the win over the Kings:
Excerpt 1: The first three-pointer
After the Kings scored first, the 76ers immediately found the answer. Edwards’ defender was future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook, and when Westbrook turned to look at Quentin Grimes, who was driving, Edwards jumped out without the basketball and knocked down Grimes’ catch-and-shoot opportunity. The Sixers have been trying to make Edwards a catch-and-shoot player, and this is a great opportunity for him.
Clip 2: His second three-pointer
The Kings lost Edwards again in the half court. Edwards passed the ball to Edgecomb in the bottom corner, and the defensive players focused on him. He passed the ball to Edwards in the open position and scored a 3-pointer. Sacramento’s Daeqwon Plowden turned his head while shooting and lost track of Edwards. This bucket showcases his ability to continue moving without the basketball and find open looks. This is an underrated skill in today’s game.
Clip 3: Edwards Tweaks
After hitting two quick 3-pointers, Edwards got defensive attention from Sacramento’s Precious Achiuwa on a tough finish. The sophomore forward spots this, then puts the ball on the floor and attacks. However, DeMar DeRozan then came over and blocked a lane of travel. Edwards saw this and calmly took a step back and hit a mid-range shot. That center back is an important aspect of his scoring ability.
Clip 4: A tough ending
On his fourth shot, the Kings focused on him again, but Edwards used a nice hesi move and then adjusted as big man Maxime Raynaud took his turn. The Philly native showed off his athleticism and excellent shot timing to keep the Sixers’ scoreboard moving.
Excerpt 5: A difficult ending
It was probably his toughest finish of the night, but Edwards once again put his head down and attacked the paint. The Kings did rotate and make life difficult for him, but he did a great job of focusing and finishing at the rim. When the Sixers get healthy again, coach Nick Nurse will have to find a way to get him into the rotation. He’s been really good in Philadelphia of late.
This article was originally published on 76ers Line: 76ers Film Study: A Look at Justin Edwards’ Night in Win over Kings