A nightmare fourth quarter nearly cost the Sixers the game, but they managed to hold onto a 104-97 win over the visiting Brooklyn Nets. Quentin Grimes led the way with 28 points and eight assists, while VJ Edgecombe bounced back in a well-rounded performance, and Justin Edwards continued his recent stretch of strong play.
The Sixers came out of the gates determined to assert their dominance over an inferior opponent. Considering the Sixers were without Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, and Kelly Oubre Jr., the Nets still being viewed as the inferior team says a lot about the current state of Brooklyn. Philadelphia made a strong impression on both sides, building a 22-point lead by the half.
VJ Edgecombe struggled immensely as a facilitator in the Sixers' last game, in Detroit against the Pistons, but looked far more confident and capable in this matchup. The level of competition is certainly a factor, but just like a win is a win, you can only play the opponent on your schedule. Edgecombe was able to float between positions and responsibilities with relative ease, and while his aggression trailed off a bit in the second quarter, he was still effective as a passer.
Justin Edwards has impressed in nearly every game since returning from his latest G League assignment, and this one was no different. Finishing with 19 points and five combined steals and blocks, he was a force on both ends for the Sixers. While he’s continued to struggle from range, missing all three of his attempts in this game, he’s been impactful enough to remind the organization why he was such a highly talented prospect in high school.
The second half was far less encouraging for the Sixers, beginning with a third quarter that signaled the oncoming struggles in the fourth quarter. Brooklyn began working their way back into the game possession after possession while the Sixers looked disinterested in putting away their opponent in favor of taking ill-advised shots.
Cam Payne was one of the primary culprits, as was Nick Nurse, who watched far too long without adjustment as his Sixers lost a quarter to a team that was held to just 31 first-half points just moments before. In the fourth quarter, the scales nearly completely tipped in the Nets’ favor.
Down by as many as 28 points during the game, the Nets continued to climb closer and closer as the Sixers continuously found themselves bailed out by hero-ball played by Grimes.
It’s far from a consistent recipe for success. It worked in this game, and the Sixers are certainly taking each game one at a time, but they will need to find a more sustainable way to survive while the majority of their starting lineup remains out.
Adem Bona has grown immensely this season and has firmly entrenched himself as a legitimate contributor in this league. While his play still features plenty of highs and lows, Bona has tightened up his play in the second half of the season and now seems ready to contribute on a nightly basis, no matter the opponent. He seems to have figured out how to be a frequent positive contributor far sooner than it took Paul Reed, and that growth could be what keeps Bona in Philadelphia long-term.
The Sixers were once again forced to attempt Dominick Barlow at the five with both Embiid and Andre Drummond out. Facing a smaller Brooklyn Nets lineup, his time was far more successful than it was against Pistons All-Star Jalen Duren. Barlow’s willingness and ability to play the passing lanes defensively allow Nick Nurse’s defense to operate more in line with his vision, and the added mobility enables the team to be more effective on the defensive boards, which have traditionally been an issue for Barlow. It’s not a plan to roll out for 20-30 minutes a night, but in times when Bona finds himself in foul trouble, in games without Embiid, or just as a change-of-pace option, playing Barlow at the five remains a card up Nick Nurse’s sleeve.
The Sixers are right back at it Sunday evening as they host the Portland Trail Blazers. As the Sixers attempt to climb out from the ninth seed, they will need as many wins as they can come by, no matter how ugly. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 15.
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.
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