In the backend of back-to-back potential trap games, the Sixers protected their home court with a 109–103 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. Quentin Grimes led the way with 31 points, while Philadelphia native Justin Edwards added 21 and rookie VJ Edgecombe scored 18, including two clutch baskets late.
Despite his rookie status, VJ Edgecombe continues to show flashes of high-end potential. The highlight-reel-worthy dunks are great, but it’s the relentless motor and clutch-time performance that really shines.
Edgecombe’s 18 points may have come on less-than-deal efficiency, but with two minutes left and his team clinging to a four-point lead, Edgecombe was a perfect 2-2 from the field, sealing the game for Philadelphia.
Along with his 18 points, Edgecombe grabbed a career-best 12 rebounds. On a team that came into the night 20th in the league in rebounds, it’s a sorely needed ability.
He still has plenty to work on, particularly his ball-handling, but Edgecombe has looked more polished than most rookies — especially considering the burden placed on his shoulders.
The Quentin Grimes experience in March has been completely different than the rest of the season for the Sixers. Last season, Grimes averaged 26.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists and nearly two steals a game while shooting 40.3 percent from three in March.
Midway through the month in 2026, Grimes is averaging 18.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.1 steals across nine games. He’s struggled to find his shot so far, but is coming off a midseason slump that raised fair questions about the team’s clear and obvious commitment to him past this season.
Grimes will have to figure out what’s plaguing his three-point shot and maintain something close to this level of play if he’s to ease concerns about re-signing him this offseason. Still, he’s playing hard on both ends and contributing heavily to a Sixers team in desperate need of wins. Grimes has been as responsible as anyone for Philadelphia's back-to-back wins.
There is some concern that Grimes has now, twice, raised his level of play ahead of free agency. Players like Josh Giddey and Jalen Green have been accused of being March Merchants, but for Grimes to truly be a worthwhile investment for the Sixers, he’ll have to find a way to maintain success throughout the season, but that shouldn’t take away from his success in this win. A problem for another day.
Justin Edwards has been relegated to being an afterthought for most of this season; that is, until the Sixers lost Paul George to suspension and Kelly Oubre to an LCL sprain. Edwards has worked tirelessly to stay ready and contribute when given the opportunity. He still has a certain rawness to his game, primarily his handle, but he’s a ready and able contributor to a team that needs as many as they can get their hands on.
Edwards' signature highlight in this game was a crucial steal and slam with just under a minute and a half left to put the Sixers up by six.
Justin Edwards is far more than “just a guy” on a team that frankly, needs more players who at least qualify for that backhanded title. Since returning from his most recent of multiple G League stints, Edwards has averaged 11.4 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.0 steals while shooting 58.9 from the field and 47.6 from three. The shooting numbers are likely unsustainable, but his recent contributions have been significant. Even with a healthy lineup, the team would be wise to incorporate him in some capacity.
Dominick Barlow was aggressive from the jump in this game, a necessary flip of the switch. He’ll need to do so on a more consistent basis and apply that aggressiveness to rebounding, but as a source of offense and a playmaker defensively, he was impressive, scoring 11 points on 4-6 shooting and racking up three steals.
Andre Drummond had a much better game against Portland than he’s played in quite some time. The Sixers are still better off utilizing Barlow at the five against quicker competition, but against more traditional bigs, Drummond will prove useful. He absolutely needs to stop trying to force James Harden-esque pocket passes.
The Sixers are heading out to Denver for a matchup against the Nuggets in the first of a three-game road trip. While there’s no official word yet, Nick Nurse did say that Embiid returning on the road trip was a possibility, but considering that he has not played in Denver since 2019, it would be surprising to see that trend suddenly come to an end. Tip-off is set for 10 p.m. EST on Tuesday, March 17.
Unless otherwise stated, all stats included in this article are via NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass, Basketball Reference or Team Rankings. All salary information via Spotrac.
For the latest on your Philadelphia 76ers, follow Zach on Twitter and Bluesky.
