76ers role players make bold statement despite loss to Trail Blazers

With every critical injury and disheartening loss that the Philadelphia 76ers (21-39) sustain, it gets more difficult to seek out a silver lining. However, in Philadelphia’s 119-102 to the Portland Trail Blazers (28-34), there were a few encouraging developments that should invoke at least some hope in a fanbase that has little to cheer for. 

Andre Drummond turned back the clock

Andre Drummond put together a vintage performance consisting of 25 points on 11-19 shooting from the field, 18 rebounds, and two steals. Tonight marked both a season-high for the veteran big man as well as his first game with at least 25 points and 15 rebounds since his stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2020-21. 

Since Joel Embiid was ruled out for the remainder of the season, Drummond has risen to the occasion. He is displaying more aggressiveness off the glass on both ends and has been more purposeful as a roll-man. Drummond has struggled to do those two things consistently throughout this season, so tonight will need to serve as a building block.

Justin Edwards continues to impress

Justin Edwards totaled 16 points on 7-15 shooting from the field along with six rebounds. The undrafted free agent has been one of the few players that 76ers fans have been optimistic about in what has been a hellish season and he proved why tonight. Edwards showcased a budding ability to attack close-outs as he strung together a few aggressive line drives where he shredded defenders for a hard day’s layup. 

Quentin Grimes cooled off

After dropping a career-high 44 points in Philadelphia’s 126-119 win over the Golden State Warriors, Quentin Grimes notched a more down-to-earth performance. He tallied 14 points on 6-15 shooting from the field, nine assists (team-high), and six rebounds.

In Grimes’ first 10 games with the 76ers, he came exactly as advertised – a quality two-way wing. However, his growth as a playmaker has taken many fans by surprise. Grimes developed a strong synergy with Drummond off pick-and-rolls where he’d draw defenders attacking the basket, which created easy paint opportunities for the big man. 

Lonnie Walker IV shook off the rust

Another 76ers player who was in desperate need of redemption was Lonnie Walker IV. He posted 13 points (season-high) on 73.2% true-shooting, two steals, and two blocks. Walker played a crucial role in Philadelphia obtaining a 12-point lead in the second quarter – displaying sound defensive instincts and efficiently spotting up from deep. 

As I previously mentioned, with the 76ers inevitably heading for a tank, their last 22 games can be an opportunity for players such as Walker to further their individual development and find their niche on a team that has desperately lacked cohesion.

Philadelphia will visit the Minnesota Timberwolves (33-29) on Tuesday, March 4th at 8 p.m. EST on NBC Sports Philadelphia.