VJ Edgecombe was one of two rookies on the court when the Philadelphia 76ers trailed the Golden State Warriors by one point with two-and-a-half seconds left in the game, but someone would’ve never guessed without looking at the rosters.
Edgecombe engulfed Pat Spencer to rebound Tyrese Maxey’s off-colored mid-range jumpshot and sank a put-back layup to secure the 76ers a 99-98 win against the Warriors at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Thursday night. But, Philadelphia – who once enjoyed a 24-point lead – put itself in this situation with the usual suspects responsible.
Injuries have largely prevented the 76ers (12-9) from sitting in the upper deck of the Eastern Conference standings. Offensive cold spells and second-half struggles are controllable factors that Philadelphia has been equally as hurtful, however.
The Warriors (11-12) outscored the 76ers 32-24 in the third quarter – a common trend this season – but it was the ensuing period that showcased both troubles. Philadelphia’s offense lost structure, giving way to Golden State erasing its once gargantuan deficit.
The 76ers tallied just 19 fourth-quarter points because they reverted to isolations and seemingly got too comfortable. If it weren’t for Edgecombe, Philadelphia would’ve ended the game with Maxey misfiring a jumpshot that multiple defenders contested. Joel Embiid’s minutes restriction sidelining him in the period didn’t help matters either.
Philadelphia could’ve enjoyed old-fashioned load management for the last 12 minutes, but its bad habits forced it into an unnecessary nail-biter. What’s more, the Warriors were deprived of Stephen Curry (quad) and Jimmy Butler (Knee). A win is a win, but the 76ers must learn from their inconsistencies.
Here’s how it happened:
First Quarter
Philadelphia gave fans nostalgia as its offense operated through Embiid's post-ups which Al Horford defended. The 2023 Most Valuable Player started strong, as he created seven of the 76ers’ first 11 points with two jumpshots and an assist to Edgecombe.
But, Maxey – who finished with a game-high 35 points – once again stole the show.
He scored 10 consecutive points to balloon Philadelphia’s lead to 21-5 and cap off a 22-point run. Maxey established rhythm by capitalizing on transition opportunities that the 76ers had little issue creating. The Warriors struggled to score without Curry and Butler, allowing Philadelphia to convert their misses into fast-break chances.
Golden State shot 7-17 from the field in the period as the 76ers entered the second frame with a 20-point lead. Sidenote: Dominick Barlow totaled five rebounds and two assists in five minutes – what a player.
Second Quarter
The Warriors finally got their bearings, outscoring Philadelphia 10-3 to cut the deficit to 13 points early in the second period. Golden State’s only reliable scoring source was the open floor as 38% of its first-half points came in transition.
The 76ers’ offense sputtered when Maxey rested as they failed to generate advantages, despite wielding Embiid, Edgecombe and Jared McCain. The one-time all-star quickly restored order, however. He nailed two consecutive pull-up jumpers, including a vicious stepback against Buddy Hield.
Philadelphia entered the locker room with a 56-34 edge, closing the first half how it began – dominating within the arc and forcing turnovers. The 76ers notched 16 points off seven Warriors turnovers and 28 points in the paint through two quarters.
Third Quarter
Golden State began the second half further depleted as Draymond Green suffered a right foot injury in the second quarter that sidelined him the rest of the way. Still, Philadelphia didn’t let up, extending its lead to as many as 24 points less than four minutes into the frame.
Maxey continued to torch the Warriors’ defense, despite their newfound zone approach.
He buried three straight three-pointers to complete an 11-3 run and eclipsed 27 points during this stretch. Tonight marked Maxey’s 21st consecutive game where he totaled at least 20 points, trailing Embiid’s 33-game stretch from 2023-24 for the longest streak in franchise history.
But, Golden State exploited Philadelphia’s weakness – third-quarter instability. The Warriors outscored the 76ers by eight in the frame, but Philadelphia ventured into the final period up 80-66.
Fourth Quarter
The 76ers started the fourth quarter without Maxey, Embiid or McCain – and it showed. Philadelphia lacked on-ball creation with neither Edgecombe nor Grimes effective as lead ball-handlers. The 76ers’ offensive woes allowed the Warriors to do the one thing they’ve done well all night – attack in early offense.
Golden State sliced Philadelphia’s lead to three points amidst a 15-0 run and not even Maxey or McCain’s presence helped. The Warriors mixed in various coverages to effectively increase perimeter pressure as the 76ers couldn’t get downhill and recorded four turnovers less than five minutes into the period.
Philadelphia’s offensive stagnancy continued and its defense couldn’t compensate. Gui Santos scored to give the Warriors a one-point lead for the first time since 30 seconds into the first quarter. But, it was Spencer who exploited the 76ers’ poor execution, from untimely closeouts to inadequate point-of-attack defense. He scored 12 of his 16 points in the frame.
Philadelphia fully devolved into isolation and failed to reach the paint to force Golden State into rotation. But, the 76ers did just enough to keep their deficit at one point with two seconds left. Maxey misfired a contested mid-range shot, but Edgecombe recorded a putback layup to secure Philadelphia’s 12th win of the season. Maxey swatted De’Anthony Melton’s transition layin off the backboard for good measure.
The 76ers will visit the Milwaukee Bucks (8-13) on December 5th at 8 p.m. EST.