Philly's March has been a bit of a rollercoaster. With Maxey sidelined for at least three weeks due to a finger tendon injury and Embiid missing more games than he's played, it's been a challenging stretch. And let's not forget Paul George's 25-game suspension for violating the league’s anti-drug policy.
Despite these setbacks, the Sixers managed to pull off a 126-116 victory over the Jazz at the Delta Center, handing Utah their 50th loss of the season. The Jazz fought hard, but Philly's determination was evident, especially when Ace Bailey was pulled from the floor in the final quarter, even though the game was still close.
Remarkably, the Sixers have won three of their last four games, edging closer to the 5th-seeded Raptors. Utah seemed ready to hand over the game, with several key players, including Isaiah Collier, on the injury list. This led to a new deal for G League assist leader Kennedy Chandler, who joined the Jazz just this morning.
The game started with Utah's 10-2 run, but Philly quickly responded with a 15-3 run, exploiting the Jazz's defensive gaps. Cam Payne's back-to-back triples were a highlight, and the Sixers dominated fastbreak points with a 10-2 lead. Utah struggled, missing eight consecutive shots.
Kennedy Chandler, fresh from the G League, made an immediate impact, leading the Jazz in first-half scoring with 13 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. Ace Bailey also contributed with 13 points and a career-high 3 blocks in the first half. Despite shooting 42% from the field, the Jazz only committed 2 turnovers compared to Philly’s 10.
In the second half, the Sixers maintained their momentum, starting the third quarter with an 11-2 run to erase Utah's lead. Quentin Grimes played a key role, contributing to 7 of those points. Ace Bailey then took over, adding 12 points and 5 rebounds, finishing with a career-high 4 blocks.
Rookie VJ Edgecombe held his own with a double-double, tallying 13 points and 11 boards. But the Jazz's efforts to secure a win were thwarted by Philly's late 20-8 surge in the final minutes.
The Sixers dominated the boards with 64 rebounds, including 16 offensive that led to 26 second-chance points. Utah had 7 blocks and just 8 turnovers.
Ace Bailey is making a strong case for the All-Rookie team with his impressive performances, emerging as a reliable scorer and elite shot-blocker. Despite the challenges, he's carving out a significant role as a primary scorer late in the season.
Meanwhile, Bez Mbeng quietly delivered a career-high 13-6-7 on 5-7 shooting without a single turnover. In just his fifth NBA game, Mbeng showcased his potential with a 45-minute shift, embodying the grit and determination of the Jazz's young roster.