Player grades: Undermanned Sixers drop road trip finale to Pelicans
The Philadelphia 76ers paid a visit to the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday night to conclude a long 6-game road trip looking to end it on a high note. The Sixers entered the contest on a 4-game losing skid after winning the first game of the trip and were looking to get back in the win column.
Both the Sixers and the Pelicans were undermanned with both teams missing a laundry list of players. The matchup had more of a preseason feel to it as both teams are just playing out the string in what has been a tough 2024-25 season for both teams. The Pelicans walked away with a 112-99 win as they were able to outlast the Sixers.
Justin Edwards led Philadelphia with 19 points, Jared Butler had 19 points, Jeff Dowtin Jr. had 12 and three blocks, and Jalen Hood-Schifino added nine off the bench. Guerschon Yabusele added 12 points, seven rebounds, and four assists and Chuma Okeke had 12, nine rebounds, and four assists.
Here are the player grades following the loss:
Jared Butler: B
With the opportunity there on the offensive end, Butler took advantage of the shots he was able to take on that end. He knocked down an early triple to get the Sixers going on offense and was aggressive on that end which helped Philadelphia immensely. He had a solid night in terms of his 3-point shooting and ability to get into the paint. He has a quick first step and the Pelicans had a tough time defending that part of his game.
Justin Edwards: B-plus
Edwards got off to a good start on the offensive end knocking down a couple of early 3s. The Pelicans aren’t exactly a defensive juggernaut so he was able to free himself up for some open looks that he was able to take advantage of in this one. He set the tone for the Sixers on the offensive end. There were many times when the Sixers needed a bucket and they would lean on Edwards to get the job done and he responded in a big way. He continues to take steps forward in his rookie season and these are some necessary reps for his development.
Ricky Council IV: C
Getting the start in this one, Council was aggressive with his offense, but had a tough night in terms of his efficiency. He was unable to get going on that end of the floor in terms of his field goal shooting, but he was able to get to the line in order to keep the scoreboard moving.
Chuma Okeke: B
Okeke struggled with his 3-point shooting, but he found other ways to contribute. He was helpful on the glass and had some nice defensive moments using his length and activity to bother opponents. He took a hit to the groin in the second quarter on a defensive play, but continued on. He gave the Sixers some production on both ends of the floor. He has the size, length, and skill to stick in the league. He just needs a consistent opportunity.
Guerschon Yabusele: C-plus
It was a tough night for Yabusele. Still continuing to battle through right knee soreness, The Dancing Bear had a tough time defending Pelicans rookie big man Yves Missi who is active and plays with a lot of energy. These are the matchups where Yabusele can struggle at times. He did finally get going in the second half when he knocked down a couple of triples before driving the paint and dishing to Council for a 3 to get the Sixers back into the game. Overall, he was able to make some plays with his passing and make an impact on the glass.
Jeff Dowtin Jr.: B-minus
Dowtin gave the Sixers a spark off the bench. He just knows how to get to his spots on the floor and make an impact with his scoring. He drove right into the teeth of New Orleans’ defense and was able to get to the line while also knocking down shots in the mid-range. He briefly exited the game after sliding awkwardly while pulling up for a jumper in the second quarter, but returned to the contest and gave Philadelphia some production.
Jalen Hood-Schifino: C-plus
Active in this one after being inactive on Sunday, Hood-Schifino was solid in his initial stint. He moved well without the basketball which allowed him to get some easy buckets off the pass. He knocked down a corner triple off a catch and got himself some easy opportunities in this one. He continues to show off a high basketball IQ which is important for a team like the Sixers.
Adem Bona: B-minus
Making his return from a left ankle sprain, Bona was his usual active self off the bench in this one. The Sixers wanted to be cautious with their second-round rookie, but Bona played well in his limited minutes making positive plays on either end of the floor. He took a hit to the face while finishing a dunk in the second quarter. He fought through it and gave Philadelphia some good minutes.
Marcus Bagley: C
Just signed to a 10-day on Monday, and making his NBA debut, Bagley hopped off the bench and had a nice bucket off a hustle play to get his night started. He had an overall tough night, but he was able to get some minutes at the NBA level.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Player grades: Undermanned Sixers drop road trip finale to Pelicans
| 2d 10:16 PM ET ago |
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