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Sixers-Spurs best and worst: DeMar DeRozan’s imprint, Philly’s invisible fourth-quarter defense, Shake Milton’s big shot

Philly's fourth-quarter defense was non-existent for the second straight game. Not only did the Spurs shoot 71.4%, but they also torched the Sixers for 43 points in the quarter.

Joel Embiid had another strong game in Monday's victory over San Antonio.
Joel Embiid had another strong game in Monday's victory over San Antonio.Read moreAP

KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Here is my look at some of the best and worst performances from the 76ers’ 132-130 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night at the VISA Athletic Center inside the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.

Best performance: This was a tough one, just because of Shake Milton’s go-ahead three-pointer with 7.2 seconds left and Joel Embiid’s solid passing and team-high 27 points.

But DeMar DeRozan was the best player on the floor even in a loss. The worst thing he did was feeding Jakob Poeltl instead of forcing a shot late in the game. While it was the right decision under normal circumstances, Poeltl missed a 3-footer with 2.4 seconds left, and the Spurs lost the game. DeRozan, however, was tough to stop, finishing with a game-high 30 points on 11-for-20 shooting and making all seven of his foul shots. He also had 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and a steal.

Worst performance: This was another tough one. But I gave it to Ben Simmons despite his shooting 4-for-6 en route to scoring 8 points to go along with five assists. He received this for never fully being able to get into a flow because of foul trouble. Simmons fouled out with 2:12 remaining. Maybe it was the foul trouble or not being the primary ballhandler, but the Simmons we’re accustomed to seeing wasn’t on the court Monday night.

Best defensive performance: This goes to DeRozan, who impacted both ends of the floor.

Worst statistic: This goes to the Spurs’ shooting 32% (8-for-25) in the third quarter.

Best statistic: This goes to the Spurs’ shooting 71.4% (15 -for-21) in the fourth quarter.

Worst of the worst: I’m giving this to the Sixers’ fourth-quarter defense. It was non-existent for the second straight game. Not only did the Spurs shoot 71.4%, but they also torched the Sixers for 43 points in the quarter. This after the Pacers scored 46 fourth-quarter points against them on Saturday.

Best of the best: This has to go to Milton’s go-ahead three-pointer with 7.2 seconds left. That has to be a huge confidence boost for the second-year guard, who failed to score a point on Saturday.