The Philadelphia 76ers made a quick stop on the road to face the Memphis Grizzlies on November 21. However, despite Tyrese Maxey’s return and Joel Embiid’s strong performance, the Sixers fell short to the Grizzlies, 117-111.
Grizzlies Holding Their Own Even Without Ja Morant
Even with Morant out, the rest of the young Memphis squad made sure to keep being a threat in the west. Jaren Jackson Jr. continues to carry this young team on his back after finishing with 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Desmond Bane also gave a fine showcase, getting a 21-point, 10-rebound double-double. This is his best game of the season since returning to the lineup on November 16.
Four other Grizzlies studs also contributed with double digits: Rookie of the Year frontrunner Jaylen Wells (14), Santi Aldama (12), Luke Kennard (12), and Jake Laravia (11).
Memphis improves their record to 9-7.
Sixers Sink to the Bottom of NBA Standings
Philly has now lost their last five games. After another disastrous defeat at the hands of Memphis, they’re now at 2-12, the worst team in the NBA record-wise. Struggling is an understatement for a team that already has its best players playing on the court.
Joel Embiid had a rough start this season but quickly bounced back after a stellar performance against the Grizzlies. The 2023 MVP fired 35 points, including a perfect trip to the free-throw line (14-14) as well as grabbing 11 rebounds. Only two other Sixers players managed to crack more than 15 points. Rookie Jared McCain keeps putting on a show after putting up 20 points and 5 assists. Meanwhile, French forward Guerschon Yabusele recorded 17 points in 19 minutes of play. Maxey, who had just returned after suffering a hamstring injury 3 games into the season, only made 8 points on a terrible 23% shooting.
Another Paul George Injury Scare
George suffered a leg injury early in the third after an awkward fall, wherein it can be seen that his left knee hyperextended, the same knee that put him on the sidelines after the 2024 preseason. The 9-time All-Star immediately went to the locker room. The Sixers front office hasn’t released any information about PG’s status or when he will be able to return.
