De'Anthony Melton

Joel Embiid was typically awesome on Friday night. But it was a star turn from De'Anthony Melton, of all people, who helped spur the Philadelphia 76ers to.

He meant it.

33 points (career high)
7 steals (career high)
8 3PM (career high)
11-of-16 shooting (career high FGM)

2nd player in the NBA history with 8+ threes and 7+ steals in a game. Joel Embiid added a game-high 38 points to go along with 12 rebounds and five assists in the win. Melton's huge night, on the other hand, was unexpected.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James gave his respect to Philadelphia 76ers guard De'Anthony Melton for his career game.

The Los Angeles Lakers and their star-studded lineup were in town and Philadelphia was looking to end a 3-game skid. He was absolutely terrific all night long and he drew respect from Lakers superstar LeBron James after the win. We have a game plan and we know who the head of the snake is.

With James Harden sidelined, the Sixers made up for their dismal offense with literally the best defense in the NBA.

“Just more communication,” Melton said when asked what the Sixers have to do better at following a disappointing road trip. As one of the team’s best and most important defenders, De’Anthony Melton is leading the charge to tighten up on that end of the floor. He struggled to score, especially inside the arc and during crunch time but did a great job of manipulating the defense and finding open shots for his teammates.

De'Anthony Melton might be an LA native, but that doesn't mean he's automatically guaranteed to be a Lakers fan. The 24-year-old guard had a shocking answer ...

"As long as he stays healthy, the bidding is going to start at $500M and it's just a matter of how high it's going to go." You said [Nikola Jokic] was the hardest person to guard in the league. I think he helped me gain that confidence that I gained later in the year with his confidence in me." Lazard, meanwhile, says Rodgers’ eventual trade to the Jets is a “big reason” why he signed with New York in the first place. The Jets seem to be positioning themselves for the mega trade while also compiling a roster perceived to be of Rodgers’ liking. And then knowing that Aaron was very highly interested (in going) to the Jets kind of gave me the piece of mind to be able to go there.” The Jets would like to get this deal done prior to the 2023 NFL Draft in April. "Part of ability," the saying goes in sports, "is availability." The Huskies will take on the winner of No. The Huskies dominated the Bulldogs, rolling to a blowout 82-54 win to make NCAA Tournament history. Williamson's absence is the biggest reason for the Pelicans to consider dealing the former No. Zion Williamson is a phenomenal talent, a top 15 or maybe even a top 10 player in the NBA. "Obviously, you got to beat the Lakers.

It's been an average season for the Philadelphia 76ers so far with a 12-12 record. The team is fourth in the Atlantic Division and eighth in the Eastern ...

1 seeds in Elite Eight for first time since seeding began in 1979](https://www.basketballinsiders.com/news/ncaa-tournament-has-zero-no-1-seeds-in-elite-eight-for-first-time-since-seeding-began-in-1979/) [Luke Kennard becomes second player in NBA history to record 30 points on only 3-pointers](https://www.basketballinsiders.com/news/luke-kennard-becomes-second-player-in-nba-history-to-record-30-points-on-only-3-pointers/) Philly lost all three games on their recent road trip and will have a chance to get back in the win column tonight. James Harden has made his return to the Sixers and he’s trying to find his rhythm again. “Honestly, I just try to go out there and impact the game, make the right pass…Harden, he’s such a great passer that you can get it to him in the open court and he’ll find guys. He also mentioned on area of the game where Harden helps the team excel when he’s not playing. The team is fourth in the Atlantic Division and eighth in the Eastern Conference.

Ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers matchup with the Lakers, De'Anthony Melton has some interesting comments on Los Angeles.

[Melton](https://heavy.com/sports/philadelphia-76ers/deanthony-melton-eye-popping-defensive-metrics/) has quickly become a fan favorite. [drafted by Morey](https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2780721-deanthony-melton-nba-draft-2018-scouting-report-for-houston-rockets-pick) with the Rockets in 2018 before being traded shortly after. [Tyrese Maxey](https://heavy.com/sports/philadelphia-76ers/tyrese-maxey-debuts-new-hair/) and James Harden each have their difficulties on this side of the ball. This will kick off against the [Los Angeles Lakers](https://heavy.com/sports/los-angeles-lakers/) who have won eight of their last 12 games following their disappointing start to the season. [ Philadelphia 76ers](https://heavy.com/sports/philadelphia-76ers/) still have plenty to prove this season. We have to go out there and play our game, play to our strengths,” per