Philadelphia 76ers Stumble Against Atlanta Hawks: Key Takeaways
The Philadelphia 76ers returned to action Thursday night, hosting the Atlanta Hawks in a bid to break their losing streak. Despite their efforts, the Sixers fell short, losing 117-107, marking their third consecutive loss and highlighting their struggles without Joel Embiid, having dropped seven of their last eight games without him.
Maxey's Struggles Against Hawks' Defense
Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 28 points, but it was far from an easy night. Shooting 8-for-23 overall and 4-for-11 from beyond the arc, Maxey faced a tough Hawks defense that kept him off-balance.
In the first half, he managed only 4-for-13, and the fourth quarter didn’t get any better with a 0-for-3 performance. The Hawks' physicality clearly disrupted his rhythm, as he often found himself driving into a crowded paint.
Coach Nick Nurse commented on the challenge, noting, "He didn't have a ton of space... everything inside the 3 was pretty contested for him." Despite his scoring, Maxey’s struggles were emblematic of the Sixers’ broader offensive issues.
Transition Defense Woes
Transition defense has been a persistent problem for the Sixers, and the Hawks took full advantage, racking up 25 fast break points. Atlanta's quick pace was evident early, scoring 21 of those points in the first half and establishing a 10-point lead. While Philadelphia managed to tighten up after halftime, limiting the Hawks to just four fast break points, this aspect of their game remains a significant hurdle.
Nurse emphasized the need for better awareness, particularly when Maxey drives to the basket, saying, "Our guys got to be much more aware of getting out of the corners and getting back."
Grimes Finds His Groove
Quentin Grimes provided a spark off the bench, scoring 14 points on 5-for-9 shooting, including 2-for-4 from three-point range. Despite picking up five fouls, Grimes’ offensive rhythm was a bright spot for the Sixers. His aggressive playstyle not only boosted his performance but also added a much-needed dynamic to the team’s offense.
Reflecting on his performance, Grimes said, "Being aggressive... helps me, it helps the team as well."
As the Sixers aim to regroup, these takeaways highlight areas for improvement and potential bright spots as they look to get back on track.