NEW YORK – In a competitive matchup on Wednesday night, the Brooklyn Nets triumphed over the Philadelphia 76ers with a final score of 100-96, right before the All-Star break. D’Angelo Russell played a pivotal role in the victory, contributing 22 points, five rebounds, and four assists to help secure the win.
Supporting Russell, Nic Claxton delivered a strong performance with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and five blocks, while Cam Johnson pitched in with 16 points and six rebounds. Additionally, off the bench, Trendon Watford was instrumental, scoring 18 points. This win marked the Nets’ third consecutive victory, showcasing their upward momentum as they head into the break.
For the 76ers, Quentin Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr. both clinched 30 points, marking a bright spot for the struggling team. However, this defeat marked the fifth straight loss for Philadelphia and their seventh in the last eight games. Notably, the 76ers were missing key players, including Joel Embiid, who was sidelined due to a left knee issue, and Tyrese Maxey, who was out with a right ankle sprain.
The match demonstrated the 76ers’ ongoing offensive challenges as they currently sit 25th in scoring, averaging 109.4 points per game. From the field, they struggled with a shooting percentage of 43.2% and were particularly ineffective from beyond the arc, hitting only 24% of their three-point attempts (8 of 33). Paul George had an off night, scoring only two points, which tied his season low and fell significantly below his average of 16.6 points per game.
A significant turning point in the game occurred after the 76ers faced an 11-point deficit in the second quarter. They mounted a comeback with a 7-0 run to close out the half, eventually overtaking the Nets with a 58-57 lead early in the third quarter. However, Brooklyn quickly retaliated with a 12-2 run, fueled by Watford’s six points, and further dominated the game with a 19-8 run over the last 7:34, never looking back as they held onto the lead.
An impressive statistic for the Nets is that they have restricted their opponents to fewer than 100 points during each of their last six victories, reinforcing their strong defensive capabilities.
Looking ahead, the Philadelphia 76ers will host the Boston Celtics on February 20, while the Brooklyn Nets prepare to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in their next matchup.
