Sixers Dominate Warriors Behind Balanced Attack, Extend Win Streak to Five
SAN FRANCISCO - The Philadelphia 76ers rolled into Chase Center on the second night of a back-to-back with no Joel Embiid and still managed to make a statement. Fresh off a win in Los Angeles, the Sixers took care of business against the Golden State Warriors, cruising to a 113-94 victory and stretching their win streak to five games.
Despite missing their MVP centerpiece, Philly owned the paint and controlled the glass - two areas where you’d expect Golden State to pounce with Embiid sidelined. But the Sixers didn’t just survive without their big man - they thrived, thanks to a deep, energetic effort from a rotation that’s quickly finding its rhythm.
Let’s break down how the Sixers got it done and hand out some player grades from the win in the Bay.
Tyrese Maxey: C
It was a quiet night for the All-Star guard, who ran into a swarming Warriors defense from the opening tip. Golden State threw the kitchen sink at Maxey, sending double teams and blitzes his way whenever he crossed halfcourt.
That forced him into the role of facilitator more than scorer, and while he made the right reads to find open shooters, he never really found his own offensive rhythm. Maxey did manage to get to the line, which helped him chip in 14 points, but this wasn’t one of his more dynamic outings.
VJ Edgecombe: A
Edgecombe bounced back in a big way after a tough shooting night in L.A. The rookie looked like he had a jetpack strapped to his back - constantly attacking, probing, and finishing with touch around the rim.
He poured in 25 points, grabbed seven boards, and dished out seven assists, showing off the full offensive package. What stood out most?
His composure during key stretches, especially in the third quarter when the Warriors tried to mount a run. Every time Golden State threatened, Edgecombe answered with a timely bucket or smart play.
This was a mature, confident performance from a young player who continues to grow before our eyes.
Kelly Oubre Jr.: A-
Oubre took advantage of the extra attention Maxey was drawing and made the most of his opportunities. He knocked down a couple of early threes and brought his usual energy on both ends.
While his shooting efficiency wasn’t off the charts, Oubre’s impact was felt in the hustle plays - crashing the glass, contesting shots, and doing the dirty work that doesn’t always show up in the box score. He finished with 15 points and five rebounds, and his presence helped steady the second unit when the game could’ve tilted.
Dominick Barlow: B
Barlow brought the juice. He played with relentless energy and made his presence felt on the boards and defensively.
His offensive efficiency wasn’t quite there - a few missed opportunities around the rim - but his effort never wavered. For a team missing its anchor in Embiid, Barlow’s activity and willingness to do the little things were valuable.
Andre Drummond: B+
This was vintage Drummond. Starting in place of Embiid, he wasted no time setting the tone with his rebounding and physicality in the paint.
He pulled down 11 boards to go with 12 points and even flashed some solid defensive instincts in the post. When Drummond is locked in like this, he gives Philly a different kind of edge - one built on brute strength and second-chance opportunities.
He did his job, and then some.
Trendon Watford: A
Watford gave the Sixers a spark early and never really cooled off. His versatility was on full display - scoring in the paint, facilitating from the elbow, and contributing on the glass.
He finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, and looked like a guy who’s finally finding his groove after battling through injuries earlier in the season. If Watford keeps playing with this kind of confidence and feel, he’s going to be a real asset for Philly’s second unit down the stretch.
Quentin Grimes: A
Grimes’ first-half stretch was a big reason the Sixers were able to build a cushion. He hit from deep, attacked closeouts, and brought the kind of defensive intensity that disrupts rhythm.
His ability to guard multiple positions and knock down open looks makes him an ideal glue guy for this roster. In a game where Philly needed contributions across the board, Grimes delivered.
Adem Bona: A
Bona’s first stint was electric. He was flying around the paint like a pogo stick, finishing lobs, cleaning up misses, and even adding a steal-and-slam in transition.
His energy was contagious, and his activity around the rim gave the Sixers a jolt. Bona’s athleticism and timing make him a constant threat near the basket, and on a night where the Sixers dominated the interior, he was a big part of that success.
Jared McCain: Incomplete
McCain didn’t get much of a chance to leave his mark. He had a couple of rough shooting attempts - one blocked, another airballed - and didn’t see the floor after halftime. Chalk it up as a learning experience for the young guard.
Bottom Line: This was a team win in every sense. The Sixers didn’t rely on one star to carry the load - they leaned on depth, energy, and smart basketball.
With Embiid resting, Philly showed they can still punch above their weight, especially when everyone buys in. Five straight wins and counting - and this one, on the road against a proud Warriors squad, might be the most impressive of the bunch.