By: Kylan Watson
After beating the Brooklyn Nets yesterday afternoon, the Philadelphia 76ers faced the Portland Trailblazers for the final time this season. Thanks to an offensive explosion from Quentin Grimes and a game sealing dunk by Justin Edwards, Philly beat Portland 109-103 and extended their win streak to two games with the victory.
The Sixers were able to find their offensive rhythm throughout this game despite missing four of their top scorers. Thanks to the high-percentage shooting opportunities that were created from their ball movement, the ball moves faster than a defender and the Sixers were able to make those shots and stay ahead of Portland through a majority of this contest.
VJ Edgecombe scored 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in this game and when his team needed it the most, he produced some clutch buckets to keep his team in front and has shown that no moment is too big for him throughout his rookie season. His ability to always be around the ball or come up with a game winning play has won Philly multiple games this season. Additionally, continuing to gain his confidence as the primary scorer is pivotal for them during these next few games as they head out for their final west coast road trip of the season. Edgecombe is the most talented player the Sixers can put on the floor right now and he needs to continue to play like that for the rest of the season and in the playoffs.
Despite the offensive explosion from Edgecombe Portland continued to make multiple scoring runs in this contest. At one point they were able to cut a 12-point Philly lead to single-digits because of unforced errors and turnovers from the Sixers. Which led to easy buckets for Portland and helped them stabilize their struggling offense. Deni Avdija (25 points) and Jerami Grant (20 points) combined for 45 of the Trailblazer’s 103 points and Philly was able to limit the explosive duo in this game, they were still able to put their mark on the game. However, Philly was able to turn up the defensive pressure on them and Portland turned the ball over 18 times which the Sixers converted into 22 plus points. That was the difference maker in this contest Philly scored enough points to win this game from their turnovers and Portland could not take advantage of mistakes by the Sixers.
Late in the game during Portland’s comeback attempt Quentin Grimes (31 points), Justin Edwards (21 points), and Edgecombe made enough clutch buckets to push their team over the finish line. Grimes, Edwards, and Edgecombe combined for 70 of the Sixers 109 points and the Trailblazers had no answers for what they were doing in this game. Edwards came up with a pivotal steal, and an explosive dunk to win the game for Philly. Grimes getting his confidence back is the most important development for the Sixers this weekend.
Without Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Kelly Oubre Jr on the floor Philly needs all the scoring they can get, and Grimes can provide that when he has his game working. Now that he has his confidence back, he has made pivotal plays for the Sixers and provides a consistent ball handler for a Philly team that is lacking in that department right now.
The Sixers will now prepare to face the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night for the beginning of their final West Coast Road trip of the season. Philly 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 scoring opportunities created from their ball movement. Implementing these things into their game plan on Tuesday night will put them in great position to win their 38th game of the season and extend their win streak to three games.
