The Philadelphia 76ers were able to earn a much-needed 139-118 win over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night. VJ Edgecombe had a historic night as he put up a career-high 38 points with a career-high 11 assists on his way to becoming just the fourth Sixers rookie with 30-plus points and 10-plus assists in a game, but Justin Edwards had himself a night.
Edwards went for a career-high 32 points and knocked down a career-high seven 3-pointers as he toyed with the Kings all night long. He used his shooting ability to then force the Kings to adjust and he then punished them by putting the ball on the floor and attacking the paint.
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Edwards’ night was so god that it calls for a film study. It wasn’t just one play, but several that stood out as the Philadelphia native stepped up to help the Sixers get the job done.
Here are five clips from the win over the Kings that stood out about Edwards:
Clip No. 1: The first 3-pointer
After the Kings scored first, the Sixers found an immediate answer. Edwards was being defended by future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook, and when Westbrook turned his head for a split second to look at a driving Quentin Grimes, it allowed Edwards to pop out without the basketball, and knock down a catch-and-shoot opportunity from Grimes. The Sixers have been pushing Edwards to be that catch-and-shoot player and this was a good opportunity for him.
Clip No. 2: His second 3-pointer
The Kings once again lose Edwards within the half-court offense. Edwards fires it to Edgecombe in the corner, the defense converges on him, and he kicks it out to an open Edwards for 3. Sacramento’s Daeqwon Plowden turned his head and lost track of Edwards on the shot. This bucket shows his continued ability to move without the basketball and find open looks. That’s an underrated skill in today’s game.
Clip No. 3: Edwards adjusts
After knocking down two quick triples, Edwards receives defensive attention from Sacramento’s Precious Achiuwa on a hard closeout. The second-year forward identifies it and then puts the ball on the floor and attacks. However, DeMar DeRozan then comes over to block a driving lane. Edwards sees it and then calmly steps back and knocks down a mid-range shot. That middy is an important aspect of his scoring ability.
Clip No. 4: A tough finish
On his fourth bucket, the Kings once again send attention his way, but Edwards uses a terrific hesi move and then adjusts when big man Maxime Raynaud rotates over to contest. The Philadelphia native shows off his athleticism and elite hang time for a bucket to keep the scoreboard moving for the Sixers.
Clip No. 5: Tough finish
Probably his toughest finish of the night, but Edwards once again puts his head down and attacks the paint. The Kings do rotate over and make life tough on him, but he does a fantastic job of concentrating and being able to finish at the rim. When the Sixers do get healthy again, coach Nick Nurse has to find a way for him to be in the rotation. He has been terrific for Philadelphia as of late.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers film study: A look at Justin Edwards’ night in win over Kings