PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers played host to Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors Saturday night. In their first matchup since the news that Joel Embiid would miss the rest of the season, the Sixers responded well,
Had one suggested that the Sixers won a close game against the Jimmy Butler-less Warriors thanks to the efforts of Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, there may have been some surprise, but not shock. Instead, Maxey and George finished the game with a combined 22 points, and it was Quentin Grimes who paced the Sixers with a career-high 44 points, along with Kelly Oubre (20) and Guerschon Yabusele (18) who led the scoring charge.
After a 37-point outburst in the second quarter, it seemed the Sixers were beginning to firmly grasp the opportunity to end their nine-game losing streak. A balanced third-quarter rally allowed the Warriors the opportunity to work their way back into the game.
Defensively, Philadelphia struggled to rebound and protect the paint but was surprisingly adept at guarding the three. Without Joel Embiid, a healthy Joel Embiid, the Sixers have, not virtually, but literally no rim protection. Adem Bona is the most qualified candidate but is still raw and does not provide the offensive upside that Yabusele does at the backup five.
It’s an issue that has plagued the Sixers all season and will continue to do so until the offensively when either Bona has further opportunity to develop, or the team has the ability to add a rim protector through either free agency, the draft, or the trade market.
Despite their defensive shortcomings, the Sixers emerged victorious, holding on to win 126-119.
Up next for the Sixers
Philadelphia will remain home as they prepare for a matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, March 3. The Blazers have been far from juggernauts this season but are 16-12 since the start of the new year and 4-1 since the All-Star break.
Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. and you can catch the game on NBC Sports Philadelphia or listen live as always at 97.5 FM, the Fanatic.
