Sixers drop one to Hawks, continue the tank

The Philadelphia 76ers, after somehow winning a game on Sunday against Utah, fell to the Atlanta Hawks 132-123. This is the Sixers’ 42nd loss on the season and officially makes it impossible to finish at least .500 on the season.

The 76ers fall to 22-42 and have lost 13 of their last 15 games. This also marks Philadelphia’s 21st road loss. Atlanta, on the other hand, improves to 31-34 this season and continues to fight for at least a Play-In spot as the 7 seed in the East.

Despite this loss, Philadelphia did get lucky on Monday night. The Brooklyn Nets mustered a way to take down the Luka Doncic-led Los Angeles Lakers 111-108, jumping Philly in the standings. If you pay attention to the draft, it is known that if the Sixers can land the 6th pick or lower, then they keep their draft pick. If Philly gets the 7th pick or higher, they will lose their pick to the OKC Thunder. Philadelphia and Brooklyn both sit at 22-42 and have the 6th and 7th worst record in the league respectively.

The Charlotte Hornets also were able to come out on top on Monday night, which gives them just a 6-game lead on the Sixers from falling even lower. Toronto, who somehow lost to Washington on Sunday, was able to come out on top on Monday giving them just a half-game difference from Philly falling to the 5th worst record.

Toronto, who now improves to 22-43 is just half a game behind Philadelphia. The two tanking teams take action against each other on Wednesday in a game with major draft implications. Toronto has the opportunity to gain the tiebreaker over the Sixers with a win, which would mean that both the Raptors and Nets would be behind Philly should their final records tie.

Now of course, nobody wants to talk about and root for losing, but when it comes to a lost cause of a season like this, there is no other thing to look forward to for Philadelphia basketball.

But if we have to find something, Quentin Grimes once again put up a masterclass despite the loss.

Grimes, who averaged just over 10 points in his time with Dallas this season, already has 4 30-point games with Philadelphia. He scored 35 points and added 7 boards, 6 assists, and 3 steals in Atlanta. He was the offensive leader and was the system for Nick Nurse in this game and while it didn’t end up in a win, he has continued to show significant promise for next season.

Bench guys like Jeff Dowtin and Ricky Council, who both have spent time in the G League this season had themselves a night against the Hawks scoring a combined 36 points.

It wasn’t the offense that was the problem against the Hawks, but rather the defense.

Atlanta shot more efficiently from the field, three, and free throw line leading to their eventual victory. Missing guys like Kelly Oubre and Tyrese Maxey created a lack of energy and the Hawks took advantage.

Philly moves on to play the Raptors on Wednesday in a crucial game (that they want to lose), while Atlanta will also host Charlotte.

---

Use code PHILLYSPORTSREPORT for $20 off your first SeatGeek order

Click here to save 10% on any order at FOCO