By: Kylan Watson

The Philadelphia 76ers were looking to rebound after losing to the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night. They faced a hungry Denver Nuggets squad that was looking to take full advantage of the depleted Sixers. Philly was able to use an offensive explosion to barbecue the Nuggets 103-89.

It did not start out well for Philly. They missed their first few shot attempts from the field and the Nuggets were beating them to every spot on the floor. Nikola Jokic (29-points) and Will Barton (19-points) were taking full advantage of the defensive miscues. They combined for 40-points by half-time. It did not matter who Philly put on them, they could not be stopped. They were making shots from the three-point line, perimeter, and the paint.

Despite the offensive barrage from Barton and Jokic. Philly was able to weather the storm and retake the lead. Thanks in large part to an offensive explosion from guards Seth Curry (20-points) and Tyrese Maxey (22-points), they combined for 42-points. Curry made it rain from beyond the arc. He hit two three-pointers and when the Nuggets dared to take the three-point line away. He made them pay from the perimeter and the paint. Curry had been struggling throughout this road trip. However, he found himself tonight and the Sixers reaped the reward.

It was not just Curry and Maxey, when center Andre Drummond got into foul trouble. Philly had to turn to rookie center/forward Charles Bassey. He responded as he immediately made his presence felt by quickly getting a block and sparking the Sixers on both sides of the ball. He scored 12-points and grabbed seven rebounds. He gave Philly important minutes that allowed them to keep Drummond out of foul trouble. Bassey will continue to be important throughout this road trip as Philly waits for the return of Joel Embiid. He will need to continue to give Philly great minutes as they really do not have a true center on the roster behind Drummond.

On Bassey’s play, “You can just see it – his IQ. He did a lot of good things. Good kid. The guys love him. He gave us a lot of energy because guys were so happy for him,” said 76ers Head Coach Doc Rivers.

With the win tonight Philly ended their season long five-game losing streak and will head to Portland to face the Blazers on Saturday night. They will need another impressive performance on the defensive side if they want to keep Portland’s backcourt in check and get their 10^th win of the season.