PHILADELPHIA — After falling to the Cavaliers Wednesday night, the Sixers had a chance at revenge with a rematch Friday evening. With Dominick Barlow back in the starting lineup after a hard fall in their last matchup, the Sixers were ready to go at full strength, looking to hit the ground running a bit harder than they did in their last game.
To their credit, the Sixers came out with a new game plan and a new attitude, with improved results to show for it. VJ Edgecombe opened the game defensively against Cavs star Donovan Mitchell, who tormented Philadelphia last time out.
The rookie impressed, keeping the six-time All-Star in check throughout the game. As a team, the Sixers played with far more physicality than their last time out, a frequent talking point post-game Wednesday night.
Unfortunately, as they were largely focused on Mitchell, the Sixers were at the mercy of the Cavs thanks to a career performance by Jaylon Tyson, who took the Sixers for 39 points, sparking comeback after comeback.
Despite entering the fourth leading by eight, the Sixers were left scrambling defensively in the fourth quarter, and the Cavs took advantage.
It was a surprisingly well-rounded game by the Sixers despite the loss. Joel Embiid played one of the best games of his career, racking up 33 points while Paul George and VJ Edgecombe contributed an efficient 14 and 10 points, respectively.
Tyrese Maxey had 20, but nothing came easy yet again against this Cleveland team. Shooting just 9-23 from the floor, 14-39 between the two matchups, struggling to overcome the Cavaliers' size advantage.
A final run by Cleveland in the fourth quarter simply put a nail in the coffin for Philadelphia. Despite a late make by Tyrese Maxey to tie up the game, the Cavaliers had just over eight seconds to regain the lead, accomplishing so after Jaylon Tyson forced Joel Embiid to overcommit, passing the ball to Evan Mobley for the easy dunk in the final seconds of the game.
Philadelphia will remain at home as they prepare to host Pascal Siakam and the Indiana Pacers on Monday, Jan. 19.
