The Philadelphia 76ers were unable to convert Paul George’s biggest scoring effort of the season into a win. George poured in 35 points, but the Sixers lost 120‑117 to the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Sunday.
Game Recap
The game was a back‑and‑forth affair that stayed within striking distance until the final minutes. Atlanta’s 15‑12 record carried them to a 120‑117 victory, while Philadelphia finished 14‑11.
- Paul George – 35 points, 7 three‑pointers, 3 misses
- Joel Embiid – 22 points, 14 rebounds (first double‑double of the season)
- VJ Edgecombe – 26 points, 6 rebounds
- Dyson Daniels – 27 points, 10 rebounds
- Onyeka Okongwu – 20 points, 15 rebounds
- Jalen Johnson – 12 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds (triple‑double)
The Hawks’ offense was bolstered by Zaccharie Risacher’s three early fourth‑quarter threes, pushing Atlanta ahead 106‑96. George answered with five straight points, including a long‑range jumper from the left wing and a season‑high seven three‑pointers.
Bench Dynamics and Coaching Moves
Philadelphia’s bench was largely ineffective in the first period, contributing zero points. The early sub came when Jared McCain entered the game with 7:28 left in the first quarter. McCain fouled Vit Krejci on a three‑point attempt, and Krejci finished the period with 11 points on 3‑for‑3 shooting, giving Atlanta a 35‑26 lead on a single three.
Head coach Nick Nurse experimented with an unconventional lineup in the second quarter. He brought in veteran guard Kyle Lowry, who played a brief stint on the back line of a zone defense alongside an Embiid‑Andre Drummond frontcourt. Nurse then returned to McCain in the second half, keeping Lowry on the bench.
McCain finished 0‑for‑5, with five assists, three rebounds, and two steals over 18 minutes. Justin Edwards also went 0‑for‑5. Despite the bench struggles, George stepped up, draining consecutive three‑pointers and running the offense with confidence.
Player Highlights
Paul George
George’s 35 points were the most on the Sixers’ roster that night. He had already posted a season‑best 23 points in a win over the Pacers the previous Friday, and he continued to climb his scoring ladder in Atlanta.
Joel Embiid
Embiid recorded his first double‑double of the season with 22 points and 14 rebounds. He was double‑teamed by the Hawks on almost every catch inside the arc, and he struggled early in the third quarter, shooting 4‑for‑15 from the floor. Nevertheless, he had his best rebounding game of the season, surpassing his previous high of nine boards from the game against Indiana.
VJ Edgecombe
Edgecombe carried the Sixers’ offense in the third quarter. He had his second straight 20‑point performance, adding 17 points in the third period and a crucial layup that cut Atlanta’s lead to 89‑86.
Jalen Johnson
Johnson’s triple‑double of 12 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds was a highlight for the Hawks, showing his all‑around contribution.
Injuries and Roster Absences
The Sixers were without several key players:
- Tyrese Maxey – illness
- Kelly Oubre Jr. – left knee LCL sprain
- Trendon Watford – left adductor strain
Atlanta missed:
- Trae Young – right knee MCL sprain
- Kristaps Porzingis – illness
These absences impacted both teams’ rotations and defensive schemes.
Key Moments in the Final Stretch
With the game tied in the fourth quarter, the Sixers had a late chance to take the lead. George missed a corner three over Krejci, but Edgecombe secured an offensive rebound. Nurse chose not to call a timeout, and Quentin Grimes attempted a three from the right wing, which bounced off the back rim. Grimes then tried a game‑tying corner three at the buzzer, but it missed the net.
The Hawks’ defense held firm, and the Sixers could not capitalize on the late opportunities.
Next Game
Philadelphia will next face the New York Knicks on Friday night. The Sixers aim to rebound from the loss and improve their record.
Key Takeaways
- Paul George’s 35‑point effort was not enough to secure a win.
- Joel Embiid posted a double‑double and his best rebounding night of the season.
- The Sixers’ bench struggled early, and key players were absent due to injury.
- The Hawks’ defense double‑teamed Embiid and maintained a lead in the fourth quarter.
The Sixers’ loss underscores the importance of depth and defensive resilience as the season progresses.
Closing
Despite a strong individual performance from Paul George, the 76ers fell short in Atlanta. The game highlighted the challenges the team faces with injuries and bench production, as well as the effectiveness of the Hawks’ defensive strategy. Philadelphia will look to regroup and prepare for their upcoming matchup with the Knicks, hoping to translate lessons learned into a victory.
