Quentin Grimes dropped 28 on his former team and Jalen Hood-Schifino had a career-high 19 as the Sixers beat the Mavs.
Sixers Bell Ringer Season Standings:
Tyrese Maxey – 16
Joel Embiid – 8
Jared McCain – 8
Paul George – 7
Quentin Grimes – 6
Kelly Oubre Jr – 5
Guerschon Yabusele – 4
Adem Bona – 2
Ricky Council IV – 2
Justin Edwards – 2
KJ Martin – 2
Jared Butler – 1
Jeff Dowtin Jr. – 1
Andre Drummond – 1
No One – 1
The Sixers faced off against the only team that’s having a more miserable season than they are.
While losses are more beneficial in the big picture, the Sixers were led by Quentin Grimes in a 130-125 win over the Dallas Mavericks Sunday.
The Sixers had 10 players available (and all 10 saw action) while Dallas had just eight.
P.J. Washington, returning after a seven-game absence, looked like he was in line for a monster day, scoring early and often. He had 20 points in the first half, helping stake the Mavs to a 68-64 lead. Dallas led by as many as 11 and seemed to have control of the game.
The Sixers turned up the defensive intensity and dominated the third quarter, 34-18. Grimes and Guerschon Yabusele led the way on both ends as the Sixers pushed their lead to as large as 14.
The Mavs made a fourth quarter push, but the Sixers put the game away at the free throw line to snap their three-game losing streak. They’re now 23-44, a full game better than the Nets, who solely have the fifth-best lottery odds.
The road trip continues as the Sixers take on the Houston Rockets Monday night. For now, let’s talk Bell Ringer.
Quentin Grimes: 28 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
Grimes continues to produce at a high level — and up the price on his potential next contract.
Facing off against the team that traded him for Caleb Martin at the deadline, Grimes got off to a hot start. He struggled a bit in the second quarter, appearing to force the issue which led to a couple turnovers. He took the game over in the third quarter and was the best player on the floor in the second half.
Grimes is making it clear he’s much more than a 3-and-D threat. Not only has he been an efficient scorer at all three levels, but he’s showing playmaking chops with six more assists Sunday. It’s also encouraging to see he can have a game like this when his three-ball isn’t really falling (2-of-7).
I know many of you are disappointed by the result. I really get it. But sitting a healthy Grimes against his former team probably wouldn’t have been the best choice. This is a player you’re trying to re-sign this offseason. Benching him in a game like this likely would not have sat well with him or his representation.
Jalen Hood-Schifino: 19 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assists, 1 block
Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
Hello, Jalen Hood-Schifino.
Hood-Schifino looked mighty confident pulling up for several threes in the first half. He had a couple more possessions in the second half where he rose up for a midrange jumper and nailed in another trey. He scored a career-high 19 points, going 5-of-9 from deep.
Still just 21, Hood-Schifino is an interesting player to have in the mix. He’s less than two years removed from being drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. The Sixers’ backcourt is a little crowded, but having too many young, intriguing guards feels like a good problem.
Side note: Hood-Schifino was sent to the Utah Jazz as part of the Luka Doncic trade. Only fitting he has a career day against the Mavs!
Guerschon Yabusele: 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assists
Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images
It’s clear Yabusele is fighting tired legs and a balky right knee. This Bell Ringer candidacy is as much a shoutout for Yabu continuing to fight his ass off for the team as he’s done all season long. He was the only healthy “big” on the roster with rookie Adem Bona being the latest to hit the injury report.
While this Sixers’ offseason figures to be much less sexy than the previous one (so much for that!), the team retaining Grimes and Yabusele would have to be considered big wins.
Ricky Council IV: 13 points, 10 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block
Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images
This was just a solid performance from Council. This is likely his ideal role in the NBA — play fast, fight for rebounds, make things happen on defense and make the occasional shot. His 10 rebounds Sunday tied his career high.