For long-time Sixers fans who tuned in Saturday night against Toronto, it was a night of nostalgia and remembrance as the team donned replica black jerseys from the iconic 2000–01 season, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Eastern Conference champion 76ers.
Dedicated fans will recall that campaign as one of the most memorable in franchise history. Although Philadelphia ultimately fell to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals, the season was filled with many accolades: Allen Iverson was named league MVP, Larry Brown earned Coach of the Year, Dikembe Mutombo won Defensive Player of the Year, and Aaron McKie took home Sixth Man of the Year. For many, that team truly embodied the grit and heart that have long defined Philadelphia basketball.
As for the game itself, the Sixers once again showed their resilience, rallying from an early deficit to secure a much-needed victory. After trailing 43–33 at the end of the first quarter, Philadelphia surged back in the second, outscoring Toronto 35–20 to seize momentum. The Sixers went on to win 130–120, snapping a two-game skid.
Six players finished in double figures.
Joel Embiid, limited to 26 minutes of action, looked sharp, posting 29 points on 10-of-16 shooting with a +15 plus/minus rating. It was an efficient outing and another encouraging step forward for the reigning MVP as he continues to find his rhythm.
Tyrese Maxey continued to impress, leading the charge with 31 points and seven assists, while Kelly Oubre Jr. maintained his strong early-season form.
The surprise performance of the night, and perhaps the most impressive, belonged to Trendon Watford, who earned his first start of the season on Saturday. In his fifth NBA season out of LSU, Watford made the most of the opportunity, delivering a breakout performance. He recorded career highs in both rebounds and assists while notching the first triple-double of his career, finishing with 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting in 37 minutes. After this stellar showing, Watford has certainly made a strong case for extended minutes, at least until Paul George returns to the lineup. This marks Watford’s first season with the Sixers.
“He’s a hooper,” Sixers head coach Nick Nurse acknowledged in his postgame remarks. “He really knows how to play and he can do a lot of different things. His instincts are just so good.”
A memorable night for Watford, to say the least.
Still on their home floor Sunday night, the Sixers welcomed the Detroit Pistons, one of the early surprises of the season at 7–2.
At halftime on Sunday, the Sixers appeared poised for another victory and back-to-back wins. After a strong second quarter in which they outscored the Pistons 32–17, Philadelphia carried a 64–54 lead into the break.
With Embiid sidelined, Andre Drummond drew the start and made the most of the opportunity, recording his second double-double of the season with 17 points and 12 rebounds. When called upon, Drummond has consistently delivered.
Off the bench, the Sixers received an encouraging performance from Jabari Walker, who joined Philadelphia this past July. In 18 minutes of play, Walker contributed 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting and grabbed five rebounds, providing a much-needed spark.
Jared McCain also made his second appearance of the season, logging nine minutes. Though he was held scoreless, getting him back on the floor and into rhythm will be crucial for the Sixers’ offensive continuity moving forward.
Maxey led the way for Philadelphia with 33 points, but his effort wasn’t enough to fend off a strong second-half surge from Detroit.
The Pistons came out firing in the third quarter, erupting for 34 points while holding Philadelphia to just 21. Although the Sixers battled back and briefly reclaimed the lead at 101–100 following a clutch three-pointer from Maxey, Detroit ultimately prevailed.
Cade Cunningham finished with 26 points, including a decisive three with 16.9 seconds remaining to seal the victory. The Pistons escaped with a 111–108 win.
For the weekend, the Sixers finished 1–1, moving their record to 6–4.
They’ll look to bounce back Tuesday night when they host the Boston Celtics at home.
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