The Philadelphia Sixers’ bad streak continues. The Pennsylvania franchise recorded a fifth defeat in a row, Wednesday in the NBA regular season, on the floor of the Memphis Grizzlies (117-111) and remains 15th and last in the Eastern Conference. In addition, from the start of the second period she had to do without Paul George, her all-star power forward, who suffered from hyperextension of the left knee.
The first of the Embiid – Maxey – George trio
It was the first time this season that the 76ers fielded the trio Joel Embiid – Tyrese Maxey – Paul George, all having experienced a period where they were injured. But this triplet therefore only played one half, during which the Grizzlies had widened a gap (63-53 at the break). Returning from the locker room, Philadelphia was unable to take the advantage. Memphis led throughout the second half, but had scares at the end of the game.
At 54”1 from the buzzer, a shot from Joel Embiid allowed the Sixers to come back to 115-111. Desmond Bane then missed a three-point attempt for the Grizzlies. The latter finally escaped on two free throws from Jaren Jackson, thus signing their ninth victory of the season and gaining a place in the Western Conference standings (eighth). Jackson was the strong man for Memphis (25 points), well supported by Bane (21 pts and 10 rebounds).
Guerschon Yabusele efficace
In the ranks of the Philadelphia Sixers, Joel Embiid had his best game of the season with 35 points (10/21 shooting including 1/5 three-pointers) and 11 rebounds. “Rookie” Jared McCain scored 20 points. Maxey scored eight in twenty minutes on the floor. George only played 17 minutes for two points and four rebounds. In this disappointing match for the Sixers, Guerschon Yabusele was able to do well. In 19 minutes, the French power forward scored 17 points (6/8 on the shoot including 5/6 from three points).
The 76ers will try to end their bad streak by hosting the Brooklyn Nets, eighth in the Eastern Conference, next Friday. The Memphis Grizzlies will play twenty-four hours later, against the Chicago Bulls, ranked 11th.
