Sixers Bell Ringer: Late-game comeback not quite enough in loss to Wolves

Sixers regular season Bell Ringer standings:Joel Embiid - 6James Harden - 4Tyrese Maxey- 3Tobias Harris - 1Georges Niang - 1With the number of injuries they're facing, the Philadelphia 76ers are about ready to hold open casting calls to help fill out the roster. Playing a back-to-back against a well-rested Minnesota Timberwolves team and missing three starters, it wasn't shocking that the Sixers gave up 13-1 and 16-2 runs in the first half and fell behind by as much as 20 points. To their immense credit, though, the Sixers didn't wave the white flag, eventually surging back to cut the Wolves' lead to just one point with less than 30 seconds remaining. De'Anthony Melton even had a chance to put Philadelphia ahead after a terrific steal, but his lay-up attempt went errant off the glass Wilt Chamberlain Jersey. After Anthony Edwards hit two free throws, the Sixers failed to get a good look for the tie, with Georges Niang's heavily-contested heave coming up way short to lock in the 112-109 defeat. Still, we saw the guys give it their all tonight to fight back so let's get to Bell Ringer. Joel Embiid: 32 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 steals, 6 turnoversKyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports Embiid didn't have the mid-range jumper working like a night earlier, and he had some really poor turnovers of the traveling and ill-advised pass variety, but he still found ways to make his presence felt. After being slowed down in the painted area by Brook Lopez Friday night, Joel had no such trouble against the Wolves, consistently able to drive and draw fouls near the rim. Embiid finished 18-of-20 at the free throw line, producing the most reliable form of Sixers offense while also getting Rudy Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Naz Reid all in foul trouble. His Bell Ringer nominee status was cemented late in the game after he looked to have his ankle rolled up on under the basket by Georges Niang Clarence Weatherspoon Jersey. After laying on the ground in pain, Joel soldiered on to stay in the game and a minute later, was diving on the floor for a crucial steal in the backcourt and then hitting a clutch three-pointer. You can't possibly question this man's desire to win. Joel Embiid did this just moments after rolling his ankle in a way that looked like it could be a significant injuryNothing but respect for the effort and heart he has brought to the Sixers in recent games Sean Barnard November 20, 2022Shake Milton: 27 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 6 turnoversKyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports Shake had only hit two three-pointers total on the season entering tonight's game. So it was found money to see him knock down three of his five attempts tonight, in addition to sinking a couple of tough turnaround jumpers and some gorgeous, slithery finishes around the bucket. Milton definitely struggles with ball pressure, as the six giveaways show, but he was able to create his own offense much better than I anticipated. We've seen enough from Shake each of the last two nights to indicate the Sixers just might be able to tread water in the backcourt for a couple weeks until the starters get healthy. This Shake Milton finish is He's got 23 PTS as the Sixers trail by 8 in Q4. Watch it live on NBA TV and the NBA App! https://www.philadelphiafanproshop.com/Custom_Jersey-23