PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers returned home to play host to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night looking to build on their current winning streak. The Sixers have found ways to win despite guys being in and out of the lineup and would have another challenge on their hands in the form of the Lakers.
The Sixers built a 10-point lead in the first half and sustained the lead throughout the first half which led to a 7-point lead going into halftime. The third quarter issues popped up again as the Lakers rallied to build a lead of their own as LeBron James and Luka Doncic controlled things on the offensive end. The Sixers deserve credit for not quitting and getting back into it, but the Lakers walked away with a 112-108 win. James had 29 points, seven rebounds, and six assists while Doncic delivered 31 points, 15 boards, and 11 dimes.
Tyrese Maxey had 28 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists for the Sixers, Paul George had 12 points and six rebounds, while Dominick Barlow added seven points and four rebounds. VJ Edgecombe added 15 points and five rebounds, Joel Embiid had 16 and seven rebounds, and Jared McCain had eight off the bench. Andre Drummond added 11 and 11 rebounds.
Here are the player grades after the loss:
Tyrese Maxey: A-minus
Maxey had a hot start as he carved the Lakers up for 10 quick points with an array of step back 3s and aggressive drives downhill. He did pick up an early technical foul with one of the more animated reactions he’s ever had when he got in an official’s face after a non-call which is not in his nature. As the game wore on, Maxey was able to stay aggressive and he got into the paint, which allowed him to eventually find a rhythm again after a quiet stretch as LA began to neutralize him in the third. His play in the fourth quarter was terrific as he led this group on the offensive end.
VJ Edgecombe: B-plus
It was a solid start for Edgecombe as he knocked down a triple from the top of the key and then put his head down and attacked this Lakers defense. There was a stretch where he missed some open looks in the mid-range, but he was great in terms of his finishing at the rim, and making things happen in the paint. He had issues defending Doncic, but that’s going to happen as a rookie defending a guy of Doncic’s caliber.
Paul George: B
George had a solid all-around game. He was helpful on the glass, he made plays with his passing, and he was a presence on the defensive end for Philadelphia as he had to defend a number of different positions in this one. In terms of his scoring, George let the game come to him and he gave the Sixers some timely buckets in the third quarter when the Lakers made their run to take the lead. Overall, George had a solid night, but the Sixers could’ve used more from him in terms of scoring.
Dominick Barlow: B-plus
Barlow did a fantastic job defending the likes of Doncic and James while also running the floor and making himself available for passes with his movement off the ball. It wasn’t a noteworthy game in terms of stats, but Barlow did a lot of good things in this one that won’t show up in a box score. He knocked down a 3 in the third which is a good sign for his overall offense.
Joel Embiid: C-minus
The big fella got off to a slow start in this one. He did have an aggressive move to the basket for his one field goal in the first half, but overall, it felt like he was settling for long jumpers and when he did get aggressive, he was looking for fouls rather than just trying to get a bucket. He also had troubles on the defensive end with the Lakers getting some easy buckets in the paint. There was one positive play when he blocked James and then ran the floor to seal Jaxson Hayes and draw a foul. It’s obvious that Embiid is still trying to work his way back into things, but this was not a great night for the 2023 MVP winner. He was unable to really find that rhythm on the offensive end.
Andre Drummond: A-minus
The big man hopped off the bench and did what he does. He was terrific on the offensive glass in the early going as he created extra possessions for the Sixers. His size and timing in terms of rebounding was hard for the Lakers to overcome as the 14-year veteran made an impact off the bench. He was particularly helpful in the third as he made some big plays on the glass and converted on some buckets to keep the Sixers in it as the Lakers threatened to pull away. He was helpful all night long with his rebounding—especially on the offensive glass.
Jared McCain: B-plus
The initial stint for McCain included him knocking down a 3-pointer when he took advantage of Austin Reaves turning his head. With Reaves heading toward Embiid, McCain moved toward the wing which led to him knocking down a catch-and-shoot triple. His overall first stint was terrific as he gave the Sixers a real scoring punch off the bench. His stint in the fourth quarter was a struggle as the Sixers had to pull him quickly.
Quentin Grimes: C-plus
Grimes once again found a way to contribute in a number of areas for Philadelphia. While the shot wasn’t there at the outset, he was helpful in terms of his rebounding and his defensive work as he gave the Sixers some help in the hustle areas of the game. With that being said, the Sixers could’ve used his scoring ability so him struggling in that area hurt the Sixers in this one.
Jabari Walker: B-minus
The big man knocked down a catch-and-shoot triple from the corner as the Sixers continue to get confident play out of him off the bench. He was terrific on the glass and with his shot as he gave Philadelphia a big boost.
