The undermanned Golden State Warriors got off to a hot start on Friday night in Philadelphia, posting 38 points in the first quarter, but the 76ers took control in the second half and held on for a comfortable win behind another stellar performance from Joel Embiid.
Embiid dropped 34 points for his sixth consecutive 30-point game, and James Harden added an efficient 27 points on 15 shots.
Jordan Poole had the kind of scoring night the Warriors will require while Steph Curry is out due to injury, but co-star Klay Thompson had a poor night, shooting 4-of-17 from the floor. Kevon Looney was an assist shy of a triple double with 14 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists, but the Warriors couldn’t avoid falling to 2-14 on the road so far this season.
Here’s what fans and analysts were saying about Friday’s loss:
Warriors are 0-4 without Steph this season. pic.twitter.com/QwaWpTQqCj
— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 17, 2022
Jordan Poole mocking the patented James Harden head toss… pic.twitter.com/rc3W1rRqfH
— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) December 17, 2022
Poole this season:
6th man Starter
14.1 PPG 25.4 PPG
4.6 APG 4.4 APG
2.0 3PM 3.2 3PM pic.twitter.com/AaDaoamwid— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 17, 2022
One thing I'm liking from James Wiseman in his limited minutes tonight is he's noticeably improved as a drop-back center. Just much better in terms of navigating the middle ground. Makes Harden hesitate long enough till Klay recovers. pic.twitter.com/uVwySLffMK
— Joe Viray (@JoeVirayNBA) December 17, 2022
One assist from a triple double. 2 steals. 2 blocks. 0 turnovers. 75% from the field. Guarded Embiid.
Respect Loongawd. pic.twitter.com/MeHuxSkwFm
— WarriorsMuse (@WarriorsMuse) December 17, 2022
One thing we can take away from this game is that the Dubs can hang. Lack of Steph/Wiggs, but we’re still competitive. Just a matter of not executing well late…again—Utah/NOLA vibes.
— WarriorsMuse (@WarriorsMuse) December 17, 2022
38pt 1Q
68pts the rest of the Way
— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) December 17, 2022
Excellent minutes from James Wiseman to start this 4th quarter. Moving his feet on defense, fighting for offensive boards, and unlocking offense being the lob threat he is
— mathketball (@Mathketball1) December 17, 2022
Need more from Kuminga as a starter. 7 points on 8 shots and 0 rebounds is really rough. They need to put him in better position to succeed. He's at PF so I don't understand why he's NEVER used in a PnR. Dude is a flat-out finisher.
— Jim Park🏀🌌 (@Sheridanblog) December 17, 2022
