Player grades: Joel Embiid, Sixers get revenge in blowout win over Bulls

The Philadelphia 76ers were looking to begin their final road stretch of the season on the right foot as they paid a visit to the United Center on Wednesday for a rematch with the Chicago Bulls. These two teams had just played a double-overtime matchup on Monday, a Chicago rin, so the Sixers were looking for revenge as well.

Philadelphia was short-handed missing both James Harden and Jalen McDaniels due to injury, but they started off the game picture-perfect. They led the Bulls 23-1 in the opening minutes and they led by as many as 31 on their way to an easy 116-91 win in Chicago. Joel Embiid had 12 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds, and he only had to play the first half.

De’Anthony Melton led the Sixers with 25 points and three steals, Tyrese Maxey had 21 points and five rebounds, and Tobias Harris had 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Georges Niang had 11 points off the bench.

Here are the player grades following the win:

Tyrese Maxey: A+

Maxey was able to take over as the No. 2 scorer for this group when considering the circumstances of being short-handed. He was helpful on the offensive end with his ability to get to the basket, he was knocking down his triples, and he took a lot of pressure off Embiid with his offense. Obviously, when Maxey is aggressive as he was on Wednesday, it makes a difference for this team moving forward. He was very good on defense in this one and it could’ve been a factor of Chicago just missing shots, but Maxey had himself a solid all-around night.

De'Anthony Melton: A+

Starting in place of the injured Harden, it was a terrific defensive start for Melton. He bothered the hell out of Zach LaVine to start the game as he couldn’t get a clean look off. The same for DeMar DeRozan as well and Melton also produced on the offensive end. His 3-point shooting has been such a welcomed addition to this team as a guy who can catch-and-shoot with efficiency. This was an overall very good night for the all-around guard.

Tobias Harris: A+

This was a good all-around night for Harris. He was efficient with his shot, he was getting to the glass, and he was making some nice plays with his passing. He did take some friendly fire in the first quarter when Embiid elbowed him in the face when both went up for a rebound, but he was able to stay in the game. Overall, he was terrific as he stuffed the stat sheet in a multitude of areas. The 3-point shot was falling, he was getting to the free-throw line, he played well defensively, and he helped Philadelphia run away with this one.

PJ Tucker: A+

After missing two games due to an ankle injury, Tucker made his impact felt when he grabbed an offensive rebound on an early offensive possession which then led to a Melton triple. He also was all over the place on the defensive end. He made his presence known from the jump and the Sixers really benefited from it. On top of that, he knocked down his corner jumpers which is a big help on the offensive end.

Joel Embiid: A+

As part of one incredible start for the Sixers, Embiid was a big catalyst on both ends. His work on the defensive end of the floor made the Bulls think twice about attacking the basket and then he had his way with Nikola Vucevic. There was one sequence in the first quarter when he had a steal in the lane before leading a fast break for a bucket as he showed off his impressive skill. His passing in this one was particularly impressive. Chicago limited his offensive opportunities and forced others to beat them and he was a more than willing passer. He was patient and he made the right decisions all night. Quite possibly the best part of the night for Embiid was that he didn’t have to play after halftime as he was able to get some much-needed rest.

Georges Niang: A-

This was a regular Niang night. The Minivan entered and gave the Sixers a spark on the offensive end by getting to the free-throw line and then he was able to knock down a triple in his initial run. He also was solid on the defensive end as he was able to move his feet and stay in front of Chicago’s perimeter players.

Paul Reed: B

The night for Reed was productive as he was able to make a few nice plays on defense. He has some really good timing of when to go for blocks and when he’s playing as he did in this one, that makes a difference for this team’s bench unit. He played well in the third quarter when he started for Embiid.

Shake Milton: B

This was a nice all-around night for Milton. He didn’t hurt the Sixers defensively and he was able to contribute on the offensive end in order to help the bench unit succeed. When he’s aggressive and attacking downhill, then the Sixers can rely on their bench unit a bit more to give them a spark.

Danuel House Jr.: B

Ever since he’s returned to the rotation, House Jr. has been a very helpful player out on the floor. his athleticism is welcomed as he’s able to run the floor, knock down 3-pointers, and he’s an asset on the defensive end. He was productive in this one on both ends for Philadelphia.

Dewayne Dedmon: C+

Assuming the backup big man minutes with Reed starting the second half, the Dedmon minutes weren’t bad, but they weren’t great either. The veteran was helpful on the glass, but there were a few defensive mishaps as the Bulls weren’t concerned when he was at the rim. Overall, it didn’t matter much considering how dominant the Sixers were in this one.

Story originally appeared on Sixers Wire