Sixers Bell Ringer: Despite career night from Dowtin, strong performance from Grimes Sixers fall on the road at Toronto

Sixers win the tank off by losing to the Raptors in Toronto, 118-105.

Sixers Bell Ringer Season Standings:
Tyrese Maxey – 16
Joel Embiid – 8
Jared McCain – 8
Paul George – 7
Kelly Oubre Jr – 5
Quentin Grimes – 5
Guerschon Yabusele – 4
Adem Bona – 2
Ricky Council IV – 2
Justin Edwards – 2
KJ Martin – 2
Jared Butler – 1
Andre Drummond – 1
No One – 1

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The Sixers traveled to Toronto on Wednesday night for an all-important clash of Eastern Conference foes. The Sixers and Raptors came into this game with just a half game separating the teams in the draft lottery standings. Big implications all around in this one with both teams would be without all their notable names. Let the tank-off commence!

The start of this one was about what you would expect. Sloppy play and errant shots were aplenty as the two teams struggled to find a flow offensively. The rims would start to widen throughout the quarter as the Raptors and Sixers got solid contributions from their bench units. The Raptors would lead 29-23 at the conclusion of the first quarter.

The Raptors took off in the second quarter behind red hot shooting from beyond the arc. After a 0-for-5 start from three to start the game the Raptors caught fire hitting 12 of their next 16 attempts from distance. The Raptors would lead by as many as 21 in the period. The Sixers clawed back to a 69-55 deficit at the break on the back of a game-high 17 points from Quentin Grimes.

The Sixers went on an early run to begin the third quarter, but the Raptors quickly countered with a run of their own. The Sixers refused to go away. Carried early in the quarter by the play of Quentin Grimes and then to finish the quarter by Jeff Dowtin and the interior defense of Adem Bona, the Sixers trailed by just three points at 89-86.

The Raptors pulled away in the fourth quarter behind strong performances from Jared Rhoden, Orlando Robinson and A.J. Lawson. Robinson finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Rhoden poured in 25 points, 12 rebounds and dished out six assists, a career night for the Seton Hall product. Lawson had a career-high 28 points off the bench as well for the Raptors. Despite strong efforts from Grimes, Bona, and a career night from Dowtin the Sixers would fall 118-105.

Now for the Bell Ringer!

Quentin Grimes: 29 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 assist, 11-of-23 from the field

Grimes once again put forth a strong effort for the Sixers. Grimes continues to show his offensive versatility. On the ball or off the ball Grimes finds ways to put the ball in the basket and fit with any group of Sixers placed on the court with him. Grimes willed the Sixers back into this game on multiple occasions when it looked like the Raptors would put it out of reach. Grimes turned offense into defense on back-to-back possessions in the second quarter as part of a personal 8-0 scoring run. Grimes continues to flash his talent and upside and is a guy the Sixers should be prioritizing on a long-term deal this offseason when he hits restricted free agency.

Jeff Dowtin: 20 points, 9-of-14 from the field

Dowtin had a career night to the tune of 20 points. At one point it appeared Dowtin was going to will the Sixers to victory as he brought them all the way back late in the third quarter knocking down two threes and getting to the rack for finishes at the rim. Dowtin also flashed his ability to operate in the midrange knocking down a few pull-up jumpers, something that is a primary staple of his game. Dowtin, who it feels like has been on a two-way deal with the Sixers forever, continues to stay ready when his number is called. It was a feel-good moment to see Dowtin, one of the least-heralded Sixers, get to have his moment to shine in an extended role

Adem Bona: 13 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, 5-of-7 from the field

Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images

Bona was a ball of energy and effort like he often is for the Sixers. Bona carried the Sixers defense for long stretches of this game and especially in the third quarter where he turned away multiple shots at the rim and deflected a pair of passes. Bona had one of his highlights of the season when he got a deflection that he turned into a steal and dunk on the other end. While this Sixers season is all but lost at this point there’s still plenty to play for Bona who is staking a claim to be the Sixers backup center of the future.