2025-2026 Sixers Bell Ringer Season Standings:
Tyrese Maxey – 3
Adem Bona – 1
VJ Edgecombe – 1
Quentin Grimes – 1
Kelly Oubre Jr. – 1
The Sixers put up a valiant effort in their 132- 121 defeat to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, the second night of a road back to back.
Early on in the first quarter you could tell the Sixers were feeling the wear and tear, as the Cavaliers jumped out to a 17-5 lead. From that moment on, the two teams would exchange runs, bringing the Sixers close to taking the lead,
but then the Cavaliers reorganizing to expand their lead on the undermanned opponent.
The Sixers entered the game without the services of Joel Embiid (rest), Jared McCain (rest), Paul George (knee) and Dominick Barlow (elbow). The Cavaliers entered the game without De’Andre Hunter (illness) and Max Strus (foot).
Let’s see who stood out in the Sixers’ second straight loss.
Tyrese Maxey: 27 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds, 1 steal. 10-of-20 FG, 2-of-5 3PT
Maxey came into Wednesday’s matchup against the Cavaliers on the heels of a 39-point night in Chicago. He appeared fatigued out of the gate, leaving shots short and missing free throw attempts.
After the Sixers’ reserves provided some energy in his absence, Maxey came off the bench rejuvenated in his second stint. He was able to get downhill and drive the paint effectively, and his shots started falling from downtown. He was responsible for 16 of the last 18 points the team scored in the half, bringing the Cavaliers deficit down to just three at halftime.
Unfortunately, the tank may have ran dry for the reigning Eastern Conference Player of the Week, as he shot 2-of-7 in the third quarter and took only two shot attempts in the fourth.
Andre Drummond: 13 points, 13 rebounds, 2 blocks, 1 steal, 1 assist
Drummond was critical in slowing down Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen in the first quarter with his size and rebounding prowess. His veteran experience in the paint aided the Sixers in keeping the game competitive in the first half. His paint presence and active hands helped disrupt interior opportunities the Cavaliers were getting extremely easily early on.
He was felt on the boards on both sides, but was emphasized by a put-back slam off of a Oubre Jr. miss. His back-to-back defensive plays in the paint early on in the third quarter were crucial in preventing a disastrous third quarter from being even uglier. He was rewarded with a corner three, which he drained.
Trendon Watford: 16 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals
Watford was the lifeline the Sixers were looking for in the second quarter, providing instant energy and offense when the starters looked cold to start. He filled it up offensively in the quarter, making four of his six attempts and dropping three dimes.
His defense was very solid as he nabbed a couple steals, but it was worth noting he appeared a little bit fatigued in the third quarter. This was only his fifth game after missing the first three contests of the season.
Quentin Grimes: 27 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 9-of-15 FG, 1-of-5 3PT
Grimes’ offensive night was relatively quiet, as he did not make a three until the fourth quarter. But he was there every time the Sixers needed a bucket to break a Cavaliers run, or to inch back in the game.
His effective shooting in the second half provided the Sixers one last chance late, as they cut the Cleveland lead down to nine with a minute left.
His effort and efficiency tonight were the embodiment of the energy we have seen from the Sixers guards so far this season, and it was refreshing to see in a game that felt over on multiple occasions.
