Despite the absences of Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, and Draymond Green, the Warriors are off to a flying start. An initial 13-3 turns into 23-13 thanks to Donte DiVincenzo’s 5/5 3-pointer! It takes 15 points from James Harden and 8 from Joel Embiid to keep the Sixers in ambush (38-33).
After the first quarter fireworks, both teams come down to earth. They continue with a poor 12/41 on shots and 11 stray bullets between them. It was Philadelphia, however, who emerged victorious from this trench duel by returning to the locker room on the heels of their opponent (57-55).
The awakening of Jordan Poole, author of three award-winning shots, kept the Warriors in the rhythm but the Sixers slowly but surely regained control of the match (74-73). Their defense raises the tone and Golden State remains silent for nearly three minutes. Result, Philly signs a 12-0 to take control (85-74).
Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole kept the Warriors alive for more than half of the last quarter but despite several opportunities, the NBA champions couldn’t get back below the seven-point mark. Embiid and the outside address of the Sixers put the lid on an altogether logical victory. This is the third straight loss for Golden State.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Donte DiVincenzo impersonates Stephen Curry. While the double MVP is on the flank for the next four weeks, it is his replacement in the starting lineup, Donte DiVincenzo, who has decided to play like him! The Villanova product, back to basics in Philadelphia, started the game 5/5 from 3-point range to put the Warriors ahead. Anthony Lamb followed suit with a 2/3, and the Warriors finished the first quarter 9/12 from afar!
– The Sixers camp on the free throw line. After shooting just three free throws in the first quarter, the Sixers regained control of the game by dictating the tempo by going to cause fouls to punish the Warriors at the penalty line. In this exercise, Joel Embiid excels. He shot 8 of his team’s 12 shots in the second period. In total, Philadelphia shot 18 more free throws than its opponent to finish the game at +14 in this sector. A trend already mentioned this week…
– Kevon Looney has an assist from a triple-double. The Golden State pivot is one of the most discreet players in the squad, but Steve Kerr knows he can always count on him. Whether he’s starting, being benched for the good of the team, or being asked to play the role of Draymond Green, Looney is always there. That night he finished the game one assist away from his first career triple-double. Despite a collective record of 14 wins and 16 losses this season, Looney continues the momentum of last year’s playoffs.
TOPS/FLOPS
✅ Joel Embid. The league’s leading scorer struck again with 34 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. He still lost 6 balls.
✅ James Harden. The Sixers point guard was efficient and fair in the game tonight, finishing with 27 points on just 15 shots while delivering 9 assists.
✅ ByAnthony Melton. The former Grizzly confirms his good form at the moment, releasing a complete performance with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists.
✅ Jordan Poole – Donte DiVincenzo. If DiVincenzo scored 15 of his 17 points in the first quarter, he also took 10 rebounds and delivered 6 assists. Jordan Poole scored 15 of his 29 points in the third quarter.
✅ Kevon Looney. In the absence of Draymond Green, Looney was omnipresent with 14 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.
⛔ Klay Thompson. The Splash Brother got through, with a 4/17 on shots including 1/9 from two points.
THE FOLLOWING
Golden State (14-16) : the Warriors continue Sunday in Toronto.
Philadelphia (17-12): the Sixers will host the Raptors on Monday.
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