By: Kylan Watson
After beating the Los Angeles Clippers last night, the Philadelphia 76ers faced the Golden State Warriors for the second time this season. Philly was able to dominate this game from the opening tipoff thanks to a scoring explosion from VJ Edgecombe and the second unit. Which led Philly to the 113-94 victory extending their win streak to five games.
Philly once again found their offensive rhythm early in this contest they were able to hit their first couple of shot attempts, and they were able to grab the lead in this game. Edgecombe scored 25 points in this game and was the leading scorer for the Sixers, Golden State did not have any answers for what he was doing in this contest. He got whatever he wanted from the field and converted another highlight reel dunk in another game. Edgecombe finding his offensive rhythm again is the biggest development in a game that the Sixers won handedly. That is what the Sixers have been missing over the past few weeks and if he finds his rhythm and confidence again that can add another dimension to Philly’s offense. Throughout the past few games Edgecombe has been developing his playmaking abilities. Last night he led the team in assists and tonight he had 7 assists in this contest again. His ability to create high percentage scoring opportunities for his teammates will add another level to his skillset.
Despite the offensive explosion from Edgecombe the Warriors continued to fight in this contest and were able to trim the Sixers 15-point lead to single digits. Golden State did not have either Stephen Curry or Jimmy Butler available in this contest, so there were plenty of shots to go around for their role players in this game and the trio of Gui Santos (13 points), Pat Spencer (13 points), and Moses Moody (12 points) combined for 38 of the Warriors’ 94 points. Philly did an excellent job on the defensive end of forcing Golden State to take difficult shots and created multiple turnovers in this game. Which allowed Philly to extend their lead and take this game from the Warriors without their playmakers the Warriors just could not keep up with Philly in this game.
When the Sixers needed it most their second unit had their best game in awhile finally putting up 25 plus points in this contest and dominating the opposing team’s second unit. The trio of Trendon Watford (16 points), Adem Bona (11 points), and Quentin Grimes (10 points) combined to score 37 of Philly’s bench points in this game and this output came at an opportune time for the Sixers who played last night and needed all the points the bench unit could muster to beat Golden State tonight. Especially with Tyrese Maxey being limited in this game thanks to the Warriors’ defensive scheme. In addition, if the bench unit could use tonight’s performance to gain their confidence back then the Sixers will be a dangerous team for the rest of the season and the playoff run.
Philly will now prepare to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night in the third game of their five-game West Coast Road trip. They will need to limit their turnovers, win, or keep the rebounding battle competitive, stay connected to their defensive assignments, and cash in on the high-percentage shooting opportunities created by their ball movement. Implementing these things into their game plan on Thursday night will put them in great shape to win their 30th game of the season and extend their win streak to six games.
