The Western-conference leading Warriors (40-9) arrived at the Wells Fargo Center in what what looked like it could be a slaughter. But these young Sixers under Brett Brown, managed to surprise yet again. Even with Michael Carter-Williams out for the third straight game, the 76ers managed to hold the lead for a good part of the first half before the Warriors took over in the 2nd.
If there was ever such a thing as a moral victory this was it. Despite the 89-84 loss that snapped their home win streak at 4, the Sixers played a championship contender close even without their best player.
If there was ever such a thing as a moral victory this was it. Despite the 89-84 loss that snapped their home win streak at 4, the Sixers played a championship contender close even without their best player.
The Sixers led by 4 after the first period of play and with the help of a 12-2 run, would expand their hold to as many as 8 points in the 2nd quarter. KJ McDaniels kept up is energetic and crowd-pleasing play with a beautiful alley-oop to himself off the glass as part of the run. The Warriors usually prolific outside shooting was nowhere to be seen and all-stars Steph Curry and Klay Thompson were quiet in the first half.
Unfortunately, Golden State found their stride late in the 2nd quarter and would take the lead for good and enter halftime with a 46-44 lead. Curry and Thompson found their stroke in the 3rd as it looked like the Warriors would run away with it. Early in the 4th quarter, Golden State led 81-63,but Philly would score 12 unanswered to keep themselves in it but it just wasn't enough.
The 76ers held the Warriors to 40% from the floor and only 7 of 29 from deep. Philadelphia also controlled the glass, outrebounding Golden State 52-40. What doomed the Sixers was their careless possessions that resulted in 27 total turnovers. If it wasn't for the Warriors cold outside shooting, the turnovers alone would have buried Philly deep.
Covington led the way with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals as he continues to prove himself as a reliable offensive option. Mbah a Moute added 13 points and 9 rebounds but 5 turnovers. Noel contributed 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Rookie Tim Frazier, once again starting in place of MCW, added 10 points and 7 assists but also sloppily turned over the ball 7 times.
Curry scored 20 points for Golden State with 6 assists. Former Sixers Andre Iguodala and Mo Speights contributed 13 and 10 points in reserve, Iggy also recorded 4 steals.
With the all-star game approaching, the Sixers will have off until February 20th when they host the Pacers (20-33)
By: Matt Ryan
Unfortunately, Golden State found their stride late in the 2nd quarter and would take the lead for good and enter halftime with a 46-44 lead. Curry and Thompson found their stroke in the 3rd as it looked like the Warriors would run away with it. Early in the 4th quarter, Golden State led 81-63,but Philly would score 12 unanswered to keep themselves in it but it just wasn't enough.
The 76ers held the Warriors to 40% from the floor and only 7 of 29 from deep. Philadelphia also controlled the glass, outrebounding Golden State 52-40. What doomed the Sixers was their careless possessions that resulted in 27 total turnovers. If it wasn't for the Warriors cold outside shooting, the turnovers alone would have buried Philly deep.
Covington led the way with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals as he continues to prove himself as a reliable offensive option. Mbah a Moute added 13 points and 9 rebounds but 5 turnovers. Noel contributed 11 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. Rookie Tim Frazier, once again starting in place of MCW, added 10 points and 7 assists but also sloppily turned over the ball 7 times.
Curry scored 20 points for Golden State with 6 assists. Former Sixers Andre Iguodala and Mo Speights contributed 13 and 10 points in reserve, Iggy also recorded 4 steals.
With the all-star game approaching, the Sixers will have off until February 20th when they host the Pacers (20-33)
By: Matt Ryan