The Oklahoma City Thunder sideline five key players in their roster (i.e. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, Lu Dort, and Isaiah Hartenstein) and their latest home game against the Philadelphia 76ers was left at the hands of their second-stringers. Yet, even with their best players out, the Thunder reserves still managed to win by a blowout of 33 points, 133-100. With the Sixers holding on for dear life after Jared McCain, Joel Embiid, and now, Paul George, were all ruled out for the rest of the season, is it already fair to say that their 2024-2025 NBA season is over?
Philly Since February 1, 2025: 4-19
The Philadelphia 76ers’ 2024-2025 season started out rough. They were trash, but slowly caught up with Tyrese Maxey’s heroics and the sensational rookie Jared McCain showing glimpses of greatness.
Unfortunately, things went south again after McCain’s season-ending injury. Although Joel Embiid and Paul George were back, they weren’t playing at 100%. Then things even got worse after these two stars were reportedly going to miss the rest of the season. Sixers fans are probably punching the air right now because this isn’t “The Process” they were expecting.
Then came February. Things weren’t good in Philly, but at least they acquired Quentin Grimes from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Caleb Martin. Honestly, they got the better end of the deal. However, adding Grimes doesn’t mean they’ll get wins. He’s good, but he’s not Durant, Curry, LeBron, Luka, Jokic, or Tatum type of good.
Since the beginning of February, the 76ers are once again on a rough patch. They’ve lost 19 of their last 23 games, and two of the four wins they had earlier were close games against a bottom-seeded Utah Jazz and an injury-ridden Dallas Mavericks. Against any other team? They’re moot.
Maxey and Grimes Couldn’t Save the Sixers
Looking at their game against the OKC Thunder on Thursday (March 20th), it seems that their season is more likely over. They’re currently sitting at 23-46 (13th in the East), and without their three best players, they’re going to need every ounce of miracle to at least be in the Play-In, which is frankly, both improbable and impossible.
Grimes couldn’t save them, but he’s going to put up good numbers to increase his stock for the offseason. Meanwhile, Maxey may get All-NBA honors but he’s no Superman.
There are only nine games left for the Sixers before the season concludes, but it definitely looks like it has ended since January. This now brings us to the question: Should Philadelphia finally give up on “The Process” and just start anew? Perhaps trade away …. Embiid?
