Sixers Bell Ringer: Sixers fall on the road in Minnesota

Treacherous fourth quarter sinks the Sixers as they drop to 21-40 on the year.

Sixers Bell Ringer Season Standings:
Tyrese Maxey – 16
Joel Embiid – 8
Jared McCain – 8
Paul George – 7
Guerschon Yabusele – 4
Kelly Oubre Jr – 4
Quentin Grimes – 3
Ricky Council IV – 2
Justin Edwards – 2
KJ Martin – 2
Adem Bona – 1
Jared Butler – 1
Andre Drummond – 1
No One – 1

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The Sixers traveled to Minnesota for a Tuesday night clash with Anthony Edwards and the current Western Conference seven seed Timberwolves. It went as well as you would’ve expected with Philly falling 125-112.

The Sixers came into this one on the second night of a back-to-back after falling Monday at home to the Portland Trail Blazers. The Sixers were without Tyrese Maxey for this one as he would be sidelined with a back injury suffered vs. Portland. Justin Edwards would also be out with an injury leaving the perpetually shorthanded Sixers even more so in this one.

The first quarter ended with Minnesota clinging to a 24-22 lead. The Sixers were led in the opening frame by Quentin Grimes who continued his stellar play with nine first-quarter points. Minnesota scored 10 of their points from the line with five apiece from the line coming from Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid.

The Timberwolves went on a run early in the second quarter to jump out to a 13-point lead at one point midway through the period. The Sixers would claw back to close the quarter trailing by just four by a score of 57-53. Quentin Grimes was dynamite in the first half as he would head to intermission with a game-high 20 points on 8-of-12 from the field.

The third quarter was a back-and-forth affair that ended with a Mike Conley three at the horn that would give the Wolves an 83-80 lead headed to the fourth quarter. The Sixers were led by Grimes and Kelly Oubre, Jr. who would go to the fourth quarter with 26 and 18 points, respectively.

Minnesota took total control in the fourth quarter of this one as they went on a big run early in the period and never looked back in route to a 126-112 victory.

Time for the Bell Ringer.

Quentin Grimes: 30 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assist, 12-of-18 from the field, 3-of-7 from three

Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images

Grimes continued his excellent play in this one as he poured in a hyper efficient 30 points. Grimes on-ball scoring and shot creating has been a bit of a revelation to many as he was mostly more of a 3-and-D off guard with some ancillary playmaking ability. This level of scoring prowess from Grimes is familiar to those who have followed his career from his prep days. Grimes was Texas Gatorade Player of the Year in high school at Woodlands College Park High School and a five-star recruit before he headed to Kansas to begin his college career. Grimes, still just 24 years old, seems to finally be realizing his potential as an NBA player and making the most of his opportunity in an expanded role with the Sixers. It’s easy to see how perfect Grimes will fit as a complementary piece for the Sixers in the future. It looks like Daryl Morey once again struck gold on the margins with the addition of Grimes.

Kelly Oubre, Jr.: 24 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assist, 11-of-19 from the field

Photo by David Berding/Getty Images

Oubre, who’s had plenty of Bell Ringer-worthy performances this season, has been one of the most consistent staples in the Sixers’ lineup this year. While Oubre does have his flaws from an overall feel perspective and as a passer, he has proven his value to the Sixers as a guy they can count on to play his role. Oubre provided plenty of highlight plays tonight throwing down multiple dunks and bringing energy and life to this Sixers team that as we know often lacks in those areas.

Operation “Capture the Flagg” continues to be in full swing as the Sixers fall to 21-40 on the season.