PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers returned home on Friday to play host to the Atlanta Hawks looking to play out the string. The matchup with the Hawks was game No. 81 on the docket so Philadelphia continues to inch closer to the finish line.
With that being said, despite nothing to play for, the Sixers put up a good fight. They gave the Hawks all they could handle before eventually falling short 124-110. Atlanta received 36 points and 11 assists from Trae Young while Caris LeVert had 31 points off the bench.
Adem Bona had 18 points and six rebounds for the Sixers while Marcus Bagley had 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists and Jared Butler had 25 and seven assists. Lonnie Walker IV added 12 points and five rebounds while Ricky Council IV had 10 and seven rebounds and Colin Castleton added 16 and eight rebounds.
Here are the player grades following the loss:
Jared Butler: A
The Hawks had a tough time defending Butler in this one. He was efficient with his 3-point looks and was able to get to the basket with ease. He also was helpful on the glass as he continues to fill the box score with his ability to do it all on the floor. He gave Atlanta problems all night long and he stabilized the Sixers plenty of times in this one on the offensive end. He played a very good floor game and made sure the Sixers got into some type of offensive scheme. His command of things on both ends of the floor was a big help for Philadelphia.
Lonnie Walker IV: B
This continues to be a good showing for Walker to end the season. He had a slow start to his Sixers tenure as he worked on getting his legs back underneath him from playing overseas, but it’s obvious that he has NBA skills. He was getting to his spots in this one with relative ease and he did a good job with his efficiency on the offensive end. He should have a spot in the league somewhere in the 2025-26 season.
Marcus Bagley: A-plus
There is a lot to like about Bagley’s game. While most will point out the athleticism, he has an understanding of where to be out on the floor. He moves well without the ball and he’s tough on the defensive end. He had some good moments in this one as he gave the Hawks some issues. On top of that, his 3-pointer was falling for him in this one. If that 3-pointer becomes a constant for him, then the Sixers can possibly include him in future plans. Overall, Bagley gave the Sixers some terrific production in this one and the Sixers have to like what they saw.
Ricky Council IV: C-plus
The night for Council started with him knocking down a 3-ball, but it still wasn’t the most efficient night for him overall. He struggled with his 3-point shot after that and was unable to convert on the open looks he was able to receive in this one. He was helpful on the glass, however, and was able to get to the foul line in the second half. The Sixers got a much more aggressive Council after halftime.
Adem Bona: A-minus
End of the season be damned. Bona is still playing his heart out as if there’s still something to play for. He was terrific on both ends of the floor as he was altering shots at the basket and making the Hawks think twice about challenging him and he did some good things on the offensive end around the basket. Atlanta really had no answer for him in the paint. He had a field day against Hawks big man Onyeka Okongwu and gave the Sixers a look into the future. There is a lot to like about Bona and ...
