After an impressive win against the Boston Celtics on Christmas day, the Philadelphia 76ers began a four-game Western Conference swing with a Saturday night matchup in Utah against the Jazz. The Sixers came into the game feeling renewed confidence, not only due to their holiday victory against the reigning champs but also because they had won eight of their last 11 games. Despite that confidence, nothing came easy in Salt Lake City.
Whether it be their recent influx of confidence or the extended rest they enjoyed, with two full days off ahead of this game, the Sixers came into the game against Utah a bit listless. Philadelphia would start the game shooting just 20% from the field on ten shots. After the first quarter, the Sixers were already down by a dozen.
The second quarter saw Philadelphia rebound in a big way, literally and figuratively. In the final six and a half minutes of the first half, the Sixers would go on a 21-7 run, led by Embiid and Maxey with a spark from Guerschon Yabusele.
Philadelphia got out to a quick run against Utah in the second half, opening up the third on an eight-to-two run. The Jazz would not go away quietly, soon retaking the lead as their offensive stars, Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, and Jordan Clarkson, began scoring in bunches. Paul George would pass Vince Carter with the ninth most made threes in NBA history in this quarter, but he would also exit after picking up his fifth foul. The Sixers would then enter the fourth quarter tied at 81 a piece.
As the final 15 began, the Sixers’ defense looked rather porous. Paul George had been banished to the bench after picking up his fifth foul, and Joel Embiid rested for only one last push in an attempt to put the game away. For a time, it looked as though the Jazz would beat Embiid to that punch as they built up a six-point lead near the halfway mark of the quarter.
The Sixers would receive reinforcements, however, with both Embiid and George returning to action. With two of their top defenders back in the game, Philadelphia could once again build ground against their hosts. Some last-minute dramatics in the form of missed free throws, initially incorrect officiating, and allowed shots from range livened up this event, but in the end, the Sixers would walk out of Utah as winners of their third straight game, their ninth in their last twelve.
In the end, it was Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey who’s offensive performances—scoring 32 points each—lifted the Sixers to victory. It was far more interesting than it needed to be, but Philadelphia took care of business and secured their first true winning streak of the season.
Up next for the Sixers
Philadelphia will continue this Western Conference swing with a trip to Portland to face off against the Trail Blazers. It’s been a rough start of the year for Rip City, who sit just 11-20 on the season, but having won their last two, most recently defeating a Dončić-less Dallas squad, there is some confidence in their sails, and the Sixers cannot take them lightly.
For those curious about what the Sixers will do at the NBA trade deadline, there are a couple of interesting names—NOT SOURCED—to watch in this game. First is versatile forward Toumani Camara, who has been a pleasant success story for the Blazers after being selected with the 52nd pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The second is Dalano Banton, a tall, versatile guard who played his first two seasons in the league with the Raptors in Toronto under Nick Nurse.
Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. EST, and you can catch the game live on NBC Sports Philadelphia or listen live as always at 97.5 FM, the Fanatic.
