One night after they fell to the Trail Blazers at home in Philadelphia, the Sixers traveled to Minnesota for the second of their home and away back-to-back. Despite the exhaustion the team must have felt, Philadelphia kept this game close until the Wolves cracked it wide open in the fourth quarter.
Returning in this game was Paul George, who continues to deal with a sore groin, and Kelly Oubre, who was ill for last night’s game. The impact on both ends by PG and Oubre was noticeable, but Philadelphia simply ran out of gas in the final 12 minutes.
Quentin Grimes impressed once again with yet another 20-point half, his third in his last four games. While he slowed down in the second half, he continued to apply defensive pressure and helped carry this offense with his 30 total points.
Philadelphia was just unable to defend Minnesota at any level as they shot 56.8% from the field, 45% from three, and 94.1% from the line. Considering that high-end efficiency, it is impressive that the game was as close as it was for as long as it was.
Ultimately, Minnesota’s fourth-quarter push was aided by the removal of Paul George, who re-aggravated his groin injury and missed the final quarter.
It was a balanced attack for the Wolves, with solid performances from Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, Jaden McDaniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and none more so than Naz Reid, who finished the night with a team-high 23 points.
Up next for the Sixers
Philadelphia will next travel to Boston on Thursday, March 6, for another matchup against the Boston Celtics. The Celtics are currently up in the season series two games to one and have won seven of their last ten. Barring something miraculous, the Sixers are unlikely to enjoy their trip to Boston.
Tipoff is set for 7:30, and you can watch the game on TNT or listen live, as always, at 97.5 FM, the Fanatic.
For the latest breaking news on your Philadelphia 76ers and other Philly sports, follow Zach Ciavolella on X — @CiavoNBA and Bluesky — @ciavo.bsky.social
