The Philadelphia 76ers are struggling to find their rhythm, and Sunday night’s game against the Atlanta Hawks was another tough blow. Dropping their fourth straight game with a 132-119 loss, the Sixers now sit at 23-48 on the season. They’re 1-4 on this grueling six-game road trip, with only one stop left—the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night. The question now is whether they can salvage something positive before heading back home.
Trae Young Dominates While Former Sixers Shine
One of the biggest problems for Philadelphia was containing Trae Young. The Hawks’ star guard had his way all night, torching the defense with 28 points and 12 assists. He continuously found ways to break down the Sixers’ defense and get into the paint, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Adding to the Sixers' misery was the performance of Zaccharie Risacher, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, who dropped 22 points, showing why Atlanta is so high on him. Former Sixer Georges Niang also had a big night, pouring in 20 points against his old squad. It was a game where everything seemed to click for the Hawks, while Philly just couldn’t keep up.
Bright Spots: Edwards, Grimes, and Yabusele Step Up
Despite the loss, there were some solid performances from the Sixers’ young core. Justin Edwards continues to impress, scoring 22 points while adding three rebounds and three assists. He plays with confidence, knowing when to attack the basket and when to pull up for a mid-range jumper. Even as Atlanta's defense started focusing more on him, he remained aggressive and found ways to get his shots.
Quentin Grimes was another standout, leading the team with 26 points while contributing six assists and five rebounds. He’s been handling increased defensive pressure, yet he still finds ways to make an impact. Meanwhile, Guerschon Yabusele added 11 points and grabbed seven rebounds, bringing some much-needed energy to the floor.
Other key contributors included Jeff Dowtin Jr. with 17 points and Ricky Council IV, who added 14. Chuma Okeke chipped in with eight points and eight rebounds, continuing to show why he deserves a longer look in the rotation.
Okeke Making a Case for More Minutes
Speaking of Okeke, the forward has been making the most of his 10-day contract, showcasing his versatility and effort on both ends of the court. He brought energy to the floor against the Hawks, using his length to disrupt plays defensively and providing solid floor spacing on offense. His willingness to battle in the paint against bigger players is something the Sixers could use more of. Given his recent performances, it wouldn’t be surprising if he gets another shot with the team beyond his current deal.
The Sixers’ Defensive Woes Continue
One of the biggest issues for Philly all season has been their defense, and that was on full display against Atlanta. They simply had no answer for Young’s ability to penetrate and create plays. The Hawks’ ball movement kept the Sixers scrambling, and whenever they tried to close in on Young, he found an open teammate for an easy bucket. If Philly wants to turn things around, they need to tighten up their defensive rotations and communication.
Looking Ahead: Can Philly End the Road Trip on a High Note?
With one more game left on this tough road trip, the Sixers need to regroup quickly. Their Monday night matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans won’t be any easier, as Zion Williamson and company are looking to solidify their playoff positioning. The key for Philly will be defensive intensity—if they let the Pelicans control the pace like Atlanta did, it could be another long night.
It’s been a tough stretch for the Sixers, but there are still some positives to take away. Young players like Edwards and Okeke are showing potential, and Grimes continues to battle through adversity. The season may be winding down, but these final games are crucial for evaluating the future of this roster. If nothing else, the Sixers need to prove they can compete and build momentum heading into the offseason.
Can they snap their losing streak in New Orleans? That remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—this team has to find a way to lock in defensively if they want to stay competitive.
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