By: Kylan Watson
After falling to the Boston Celtics on Friday night the Philadelphia 76ers started a three-game road trip by facing the Brooklyn Nets tonight in New York. Thanks to a first quarter scoring explosion from Kelly Oubre Jr., they were able to stay ahead of the Nets throughout this contest and beat them 129-105 for their fifth win of the season.
The Sixers found their offensive rhythm early in this contest thanks to Oubre Jr., who scored 22 of his 29 points in that period (new career high). They needed that point total in that quarter, once again their perimeter defensive play was horrible and that allowed the Nets to stay in the game by only being down by three-points at the end of the quarter. However, that was the closest Brooklyn would get in this game; Philly was able to turn up the defensive pressure through the next three quarters for their first complete victory of the season.
Oubre Jr. night ended early when he hurt his ankle late in the third quarter his teammates were able to keep Brooklyn at bay in this contest. Tyrese Maxey (26 points), Quentin Grimes (22 points and had 13 assists in this game), VJ Edgecombe (16 points), and Trendon Watford (16 points) each hit pivotal baskets or made key defensive plays to kill any chance the Sixers had in this contest. After settling his contract dispute with Philly’s front office, Grimes has really set out to prove that he is worthy of getting a big-money contract either from them or another team in the association. He has really settled into the sixth man role for them and has hit key shots for them in the six games they have played so far this season.
In addition, Grimes’ development as a playmaker will help the Sixers keep Maxey and Edgecombe fresh throughout this season. Also, he gives them a scoring punch off the bench that the Sixers have not had in years. With both Jared McCain and Paul George getting closer to returning to the court. Grimes will need to maximize his playing time and being someone who can put points on the board and defend should make him a valuable weapon for them.
Despite the scoring explosion from Philly, Brooklyn continued to fight their way back in this contest and in the third quarter they took advantage of multiple turnovers from the Sixers to get back in the game. Cam Thomas scored 29 points in this contest, and he refused to let his team give up in this game. The Sixers were able to force multiple Brooklyn turnovers that led to easy baskets for them and that allowed them to win this game. Despite being one of the worse teams in the league, Brooklyn has enough talent to not be taking lightly, and the Sixers did not take their foot off the peddle in this game.
Now the Sixers will prepare to face the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday night who are the number one team in the Eastern Conference. Philly will need to limit their turnovers and continue to use their ball movement to create high-percentage shooting opportunities for their offense. Implementing these things into their game plan on Tuesday should allow them to be in great shape to win their sixth game of the season and make some noise in the loaded Eastern Conference.
