The Philadelphia 76ers spent New Year’s Day out West in Sacramento for a matchup against the Kings. Sixers’ star Joel Embiid sat the evening as the game was the first of a back-to-back. Philadelphia opted to play their star in the second matchup, a game against the Golden State Warriors, which will be nationally televised.
It was rough going for the Sixers early defensively in this game, as Domantas Sabonis had his way racking up eight early points along with eight rebounds in the first quarter. After allowing the Kings to take a 15-7 lead, the Sixers would begin to push back, primarily thanks to the efforts of Paul George, who was impacting the game in all facets, from scoring to defense, rebounding, and playmaking. George would finish the game with 30 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.
There was a lot to like in this game, from the performance of PG to the impact of Guerschon Yabusele, who continues to build upon one of the greatest NBA comebacks in recent memory, the strong return of Andre Drummond and a much-needed revival game from Eric Gordon. Unfortunately, despite the many individual positives, the team as a whole turned what should have been a celebratory beginning to 2025 into yet another disappointment this season.
It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish
The Sixers built up several leads throughout the game. They let a 14-point lead fall apart in the second quarter as the Kings went on a 20-6 run in the final six minutes. After a strong performance in the third by Philadelphia, the Sixers held a nine-point lead and firmly controlled their destiny.
Philadelphia would hold that lead, with some fluctuation, until the final three and a half minutes. From there, the Kings played like they had not played all season, as if they were a well-oiled machine in the clutch. Sacramento fired their now-former head coach Mike Brown as a scapegoat because of repeated failures in clutch situations this season, and suddenly, it’s a new year and a new Kings team apparently.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, a team that has been praised for their resilience, completely fell apart in these final minutes in embarrassing fashion. To recap their possessions in those moments, the Sixers missed all four shots they took and turned the ball over a shocking five times.
It does not need to be said that this is not an acceptable level of play from any professional team, let alone one that still considers itself a contender who is playing a team that has struggled as much as Sacramento has.
The Sixers have much to review, discuss, and think about, but unfortunately, they don’t have much time as they quickly turn around to finish this back-to-back in San Francisco.
Up next for the Sixers
The Sixers have a very quick turnaround, facing off against the Golden State Warriors for the first time this season. Joel Embiid is expected to return while the Warriors have their own injury concerns. Steph Curry (Right Thumb; Sprain) and Kyle Anderson (Illness) are both questionable while Brandin Podziemski (Right Abdominal; Tightness) and Gary Payton II are both confirmed to miss the matchup.
Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. EST, and you can watch the game on TNT and NBC Sports Philadelphia, or listen live as always at 97.5 FM, the Fanatic.
