The Philadelphia 76ers failed to show up in tonight’s game against Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets for their second loss in a row.
After their disappointing loss to the LA Clippers, the Sixers needed to bounce back against the Nuggets to keep their lead in the East. The final score was much closer than the game itself as it was the Sixers youth, specifically rookie Tyrese Maxey, who provided the only fight.
Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris both came up rather small, only managing 23 points between the two of them. It was a very disappointing outing against a Nuggets team not known for their defense.
More impressive was the defense played by the young Sixers, who held the Nuggets to 16 points in the fourth quarter. The team seemed much more engaged with Tyrese Maxey running the show, and the scoreboard reflected that.
This Sixers team was clearly tired. They just looked like a team that wants to go home, but that cannot be an excuse. Every team has long road trips, and every team gets tired. It’s up to Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris to motivate the team even in those situations. Not just in the locker room or in the huddle, but by example as well, which they failed to do tonight.
The loss dropped them to 3-2 on their current road trip, which is disappointing considering how they started the trip. The Sixers are also now tied with the Brooklyn Nets, who will face the Houston Rockets tomorrow and likely take sole possession of first place.
Meanwhile, Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers will take on Collin Sexton and the Cleveland Cavaliers this Thursday at 7:00 PM. You can catch the game on NBC Sports Philadelphia or listen as always at 97.5 FM The Fanatic.
