NBA Score: Atlanta Hawks Beat Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid Outplays Dwight Howard

The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers by a score of 104-72, as reported by ESPN. Those that watched the game might have witnessed a passing of the guard in the NBA, as rookie center Joel Embiid outplayed All-Star center Dwight Howard.

Philadelphia 76ers starters

Joel Embiid started the game for the Sixers but only played 15 minutes. That was by design. Brett Brown has his young big man on a minutes restriction because he does not want to risk another foot injury. Embiid managed to score 14 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including a three-point shot. The 22-year-old also managed to get to the free-throw line four times, missing just once.

Sergio Rodriguez tied for the team lead with 14 points, but Robert Covington and Gerald Henderson failed to put up a point. Covington and Henderson both took five shots, missing all of them. Dario Saric, the other rookie in the starting lineup for Philadelphia, was only able to contribute five points. More is needed from the starters if they remotely want a chance at winning games this season.

*looks around*

oh… okay. ?? https://t.co/iEsPrXWVnK

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 30, 2016

Philadelphia 76ers backups

Six players received at least 15 minutes off the bench for the Philadelphia 76ers, which means that Brett Brown still has a lot of work to do with his rotation. Things should settle down a bit when Joel Embiid is ready to play starter minutes.

Out of the bench players, only Richaun Holmes was the only one able to reach double figures. He scored 10 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting. Holmes also chipped in six rebounds and an assist, so he should continue to be in the rotation.

Jahlil Okafor produced eight points and four rebounds in 15 minutes off the bench. At this point, it appears that the 76ers are showcasing their young center for an eventual trade.

The rest of the bench made minor contributions, none of which should be enough to elevate anyone into the starting lineup for Philadelphia.

Atlanta Hawks starters

None of the Atlanta Hawks starters were able to score more than 20 points against the Sixers. Dennis Schroder, Kyle Korver, and Paul Millsap combined for 43 points, but that was more than enough to get the win.

Dennis Schroder was criticized in the first game for only putting up two assists as the starting point guard. He followed that up by dishing out 11 of them against Philadelphia.

Dwight Howard was able to chip in with seven rebounds and three blocks. However, he was very ineffective with scoring. Howard only managed two points. Interestingly enough, he was also only given 19 minutes on the floor.

Kent Bazemore had a decent game, putting up eight points, four rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

Atlanta Hawks backup

Thabo Sefolosha and Mike Muscala provided some offense off the bench. Their 25 points help to make up for the lack of production from Dwight Howard.

Kris Humphries might have earned himself some more playing time by pulling down 10 rebounds, while stealing and blocking a shot. If Howard continues to struggle, then Humphries will definitely get more playing time.

Tim Hardaway, Jr. came back down to earth after a hot scoring night. Against the Sixers, he only had seven points. Hardaway, Jr. took 11 shots and missed eight of them.

Atlanta Hawks reserves

Taurean Prince was given six minutes off the bench, so it still looks like Mike Budenholzer is bringing along his rookie forward slowly. The fact that he’s being given minutes at all seems to implicate that the head coach is willing to give Prince a chance.

[Featured Image by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images]