After falling behind by double-digits early in the 2nd, the Sixers put together a 9-2 run, capped by back-to-back threes from James Anderson, tying it at 35. But the Jazz would again pull ahead. Philadelphia trailed 56-48 at halftime. Michael Carter-Williams had 12 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals in the first half while Gordon Hayward had scored 13, and recorded 5 rebounds and 5 assists for Utah.
Philly would knot the game up at 66 off a MCW jumper but once again could not take the lead. The Sixers allowed the Jazz to pad their lead and ended the third quarter behind by
Utah's lead expanded to 14 early in the final quarter before Brett Brown called a timeout. Philadelphia responded with an 17-4 run. With 2:10 remaining, Carter-Williams completed an and-1 to tie it up at 91. Alec Burks scored 9 straight within the final 2 minutes for Utah to make it 100-91. Hawes missed 2 shots and committed a turnover in crunch-time as the game slipped out of reach for Philly. James Anderson connected on 3 three-pointers to make it 103-100 but there was not enough time left on the clock to complete the comeback. The Sixers would lose a close one, 105-100.
Evan Turner led Philly with 21 points and 5 rebounds while Thad Young added 19 points, 5 boards and 2 steals. MCW ended with 19 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds and also was involved defensively, recording 2 steals and 3 blocks. Hawes scored 16 and secured 11 boards while James Anderson hit 5 three-pointer for 15 points. Philadelphia's bench was outscored 56-10.
Alec Burks scored a game-high 26 points off the bench for the Jazz and Hayward added 17 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Marvin Williams collected 14 rebounds and added 13 points. Both Jefferson and Kanter contributed 12 points each. The Jazz limited themselves to 13 turnovers and scored 24 fast break points (PHL 10 fast break points).
The 76ers have lost 8 straight and 18 of their last 21. Carter-Williams will be participating in both the Rising Stars Challenge and Skills Challenge during All-Star weekend. The team will have time to rest over the break and the front office will surely be busy before the trade deadline. Philadelphia will return to action against the Cavaliers at home on February 18th.
By: Matt Ryan