By: Kylan Watson

After falling to the Atlanta Hawks last night, the Philadelphia 76ers faced the New Orleans Pelicans for the final time this season. Both teams traded blows throughout this contest and the Pelicans were able to pull away late in the game thanks to a fourth quarter scoring explosion. They were able to beat Philly 112-99 and extend the Sixers losing to five straight.

Unlike last night the Sixers could not find their offensive rhythm throughout most of this game. The Pelicans took full advantage of Philly’s inability to hit shots throughout this contest. They were able to get out in the open floor and create easy bucket opportunities and that is what killed Philly throughout this game. Their defense gave New Orleans way too many easy opportunities to put points on the board. You cannot win games giving up easy layups and dunks to a Pelicans team without Zion Williamson on the floor.

The Pelicans were led by Karlo Matkovic who scored 19 points in this contest and took full advantage of the increase in playing time. He was able to get a shot whenever he wanted, and the Sixers did not have an answer for what he was doing throughout this game. Matkovic was able to create multiple opportunities for his teammates because of his ability to either get a rebound or create a wide-open opportunity with an opportunistic tap out that would create a wide open three-point opportunity. Which they would cash in on and that was another reason the Sixers lost this game.

Despite the offensive explosion from Matkovic the Sixers were able to mount a comeback in this game. Justin Edwards (19 points) and Jared Butler (19 points) combined for 38 of Philly’s 99 points. New Orleans could not contain either one of them and Philly was able to retake the lead late in the third quarter. Edwards once again continues to develop as a pivotal rotation piece for the Sixers. He has one of the purest strokes on the team and if he continues to develop, he could be the Sixers starting power forward for the next few years.

However, once again their shooting left them in the fourth quarter and the Pelicans once again took this game over and did not let it go. The Sixers’ inability to protect the paint and limit their turnovers in that period allowed New Orleans to once create a big lead that they could not overcome.

One thing that has been consistent throughout this dismal season for the Sixers is there inability to stay disciplined on the defensive end. They have fallen apart too many times on that end of the floor and that has cost them multiple games this season. They must be better if they want to gain momentum as the season ends.

The Sixers will now prepare to face the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night, this is another team that Philly can take advantage of if they play to their potential. The Wizards are one of the worst teams in the league and the Sixers will need to cash in on their high-percentage shooting opportunities, limit their turnovers, and stay connected to their defensive assignments.

Implementing these things into their game plan on Wednesday night should put them in great shape to win their 24^th game of the season and end this five-game losing streak.