Mar 16, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) looks to score as Dallas Mavericks forward P.J. Washington (25) defends during the first half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Quentin Grimes scored 28 points in his return to Dallas as the Sixers held off the Mavericks.
Here's what I saw.
Likes
- Besides the fact that he's athletic and confident, I think Justin Edwards' refusal to be painted into the 3-and-D box makes him easily the most interesting young Sixer not named Jared McCain. He's comfortable shooting from deep, although it's been a struggle lately (I'm not convinced that ankle isn't still giving him trouble). But he also has the mindfulness to see a defender out of position and act accordingly. There were a couple of examples of Edwards drawing a defender in and then exploding to the midrange, taking what Dallas so generously gave him.
There's a fascinating dynamic amongst the youngest Sixers. On one hand, Ricky Council IV is in his second year and looks mostly lost at all times. Then, you have the rookie Edwards, who looks as certain of himself and in control as you could imagine an undrafted free agent being.
- Grimes absolutely cooked his former team in the third quarter. Good for him.
- The Council pump fake on threes is about as useful as the Ben Simmons shooting sleeve. If someone is biting on that, brother...
- I guess the Sixers assumed that PJ Washington would be rusty given that this was his first game in two weeks. But rather than testing him, they practically ignored him at the point of attack. In fact, they all but ran away from defending Dallas at the point of attack. Philadelphia's defensives woes - both in transition and the halfcourt - have largely originated from horrendous point-of-attack defense. The Sixers have been giving up line drives to the rim all season long, allowing the easiest of shots. Washington, especially, had fun with Philadelphia's defense in the first quarter, practically storming down the middle of the floor for scores at the hoop.
- Frankly, Philadelphia's lack of understanding of defense was appalling to say the least. I get what the goal is. I understand the team is incredibly short-handed. But, the mistakes and thought processes were so fundamental that you wonder what exactly led to selecting some of these young guys to serve as the hospital Sixers.
For example, there was endless film of the Sixers getting blown by on the perimeter with no one stepping into the lane to help. There were countless instances of defenders getting handsy when they felt the ball attacking them, fouling guys who were limited threats to begin with.
As soon as a pick came, Philadelphia was out of sorts, the screen defender backing away into drop coverage and affording the Mavericks space to step into midrange jumpers off the dribble. I get not wanting to get beat to the rim, but you have to play the game of chicken a little bit. Step toward the ball so that the handler has to think for a second. That isn't to say you need to step all the way out to the level of the screen, but step up and take away some space. These are NBA players. They'll make open shots more often than not. You can't over-index on protecting the rim and completely give up the midrange.
When the helper was in position and the Sixers had to do the slightest bit of rotating, forget it. Open threes one pass away. You can't over-index on stopping the ball and surrender open threes because you're too far away from home position.
This is all to say that there was no talking on defense in the first half. Just guys - who only kind of, sort of care about defending - acting as the individual pieces that they are on defense. Defense is not an individualized endeavor, though. Functional defenses are better than the sum of their parts. They have synergy. Philadelphia couldn't even begin to develop that because they didn't do the most basic thing of all - communicate.
- Everyone gets the importance of keeping that first-round pick in this summer's draft. However, I absolutely think you need the guys you want to keep around to experience some winning this season. They'll do a lot of losing as is. Having the occasional good outcome for your efforts is important, too.
The Sixers (23-44) will visit the Houston Rockets (43-25) on Monday. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m., Eastern time. You can watch the game on NBC Sports Philadelphia Plus.
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