Philadelphia 76ers: Best and worst games in the clutch for 2017-18

Top performances in the clutch

Nov. 13 vs. Los Angeles Clippers

While this was just the 13th game of the season, it was also a critical contest in the grand scheme of things. In the midst of their first significant road trip of the season, the Sixers were coming off the back of a heartbreaking loss to the Sacramento Kings, only to find themselves on the end of a 114-93 trouncing at the hands of the Golden State Warriors.

Entering the final five minutes of the game, the Sixers trailed 94-90, with the game promising to head down to the wire. It took an enormous 3-pointer with 33 seconds remaining by forward Robert Covington to give the Sixers a 103-101 lead, a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

Considering they entered the game with a 6-6 record, this was an essential early season win for a young, up-and-coming team. In addition to Covington, the Sixers were paced by Embiid’s 32 points and 16 rebounds, while Simmons added 22 points and 12 boards.

Not only did Covington come through in the clutch by hitting the game-winner, he also registered a career-high 31 points.

Key numbers over final five minutes:

• 19 points, featuring 8-of-12 from the free throw line, +8
• Offensive rating: 168.4
• Defensive rating: 87.9

March 16 vs. Brooklyn Nets

After a comfortable road win over the New York Knicks, the Sixers returned home placed sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 37-30 record. Therefore, every game from that point was vital, and with the Nets having had 10 games up until this point of the season decided by three points or less, there was a good chance this was going to be a closely fought contest.

In the end, this proved to be exactly the case, with the man of the moment once again being Robert Covington. With the Sixers trailing 115-113 with 35 seconds remaining, Covington stepped into his 3-point shot with confidence and knocked it down.

Having suffered with confidence with his outside shot over a good portion of the season, Covington explained his mindset following his game-winner:

Key numbers over final five minutes:

• 14 points, featuring 7-of-10 from the free throw line
• Offensive rating: 122.8
• Defensive rating: 102.6

Feb. 14 vs Miami Heat

This should come as no surprise, with the Heat having competed in the most clutch situations in the league over the course of this season. True to form, the score was tied at 92 entering the final five minutes of the game. The Sixers managed to keep their noses in front most of the way down the stretch until veteran marksman J.J. Redick nailed a clutch 19-foot jumper to give the Sixers a 102-99 lead.

Key numbers over final five minutes:

• 12 points, four turnovers, +4
• Offensive rating: 111.5
• Defensive rating: 82.0