3 observations after Sixers allow 15-0 game-ending run, collapse in final minutes vs. Kings

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3 observations after Sixers allow 15-0 game-ending run, collapse in final minutes vs. Kings originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

On the verge of a five-game winning streak, the Sixers collapsed Wednesday night in Sacramento.

They conceded a 15-0 game-ending run to the Kings, who took a 113-107 victory.

De’Aaron Fox (35 points) and Domantas Sabonis (17 points, 21 rebounds, seven assists) starred for the Kings, who moved to 15-19.

Paul George recorded 30 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Tyrese Maxey had 27 points, six assists and five steals. As detailed below, both Maxey and George contributed plenty to put the Sixers on the precipice of a win, but they were in the middle of the disaster down the stretch.

On the first night of a back-to-back that will wrap up Thursday against the Warriors, four Sixers were sidelined. Following his eight-steal outing in the Sixers’ win Monday over the Trail Blazers, Kelly Oubre Jr. sat with a left hand sprain. Joel Embiid (left foot sprain), KJ Martin (left foot stress reaction) and Jared McCain (left lateral meniscus surgery) were also out.

Sacramento was without third-year forward Keegan Murray (left ankle soreness) and rookie guard Devin Carter (return to competition reconditioning).

Here are observations on the 13-18 Sixers’ first defeat of 2025:

George finds his game in first half

Kyle Lowry started for the first time since Nov. 18 and Guerschon Yabusele began the night at center. With Oubre out, Yabusele became the lone remaining Sixer to have played every game this season.

The Kings made a bright start, taking a 15-7 lead when Malik Monk finished a tough fast-break layup against Lowry. After a timeout, George got the ball on an Iverson cut and the Sixers set up a simple isolation. George drove and threw a pass out to the wing that Keon Ellis picked off.

His night then pivoted in a far more positive direction. George drilled two early three-pointers and scored 11 of the Sixers’ first 18 points, including an improbable jumper that he banked in while being fouled by Kevin Huerter.

The nine-time All-Star hit foul trouble yet again — that’s three straight…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/3-observations-sixers-allow-15-063206495.html

Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia

Publish date : 2025-01-02 06:43:00

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