Sixers Bell Ringer: Tank rolls on in Philadelphia’s 117-105 loss to Miami

12 straight losses for the Sixers. Three to go?

Sixers Bell Ringer Season Standings:
Tyrese Maxey – 16
Quentin Grimes – 11
Joel Embiid – 8
Jared McCain – 8
Paul George – 7
Justin Edwards – 6
Kelly Oubre Jr – 5
Adem Bona – 4
Guerschon Yabusele – 4
Ricky Council IV – 2
KJ Martin – 2
Jared Butler – 1
Jeff Dowtin Jr – 1
Andre Drummond – 1
Lonnie Walker – 1
No One – 1

Credit to the Sixers, they have perfected the ethical tank game. Nearly every night, the island of misfit toys Philadelphia throws out on the court (how weird is seeing Kyle Lowry running with this bunch, by the way) fights hard, plays a fairly competitive game, and then ultimately keeps the tank on track. Monday night in Miami, the Sixers and Heat were tied at 88 midway through the fourth quarter before Miami went on a 16-3 run to put the game to bed. It was the 12th loss in a row for Philadelphia, as Sixers fans hope beyond hope that the Pelicans can somehow win a couple games. For now, let’s talk Bell Ringer.

Lonnie Walker IV: 29 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 2 turnovers

Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Having played his college ball nearby, Walker tallied 29 points, his season-high as a Sixer. He went 6-of-13 from downtown, and hit a bunch of high degree-of-difficulty shots along the way. Walker drained stepback jumpers and contested drives through traffic, continuing to show that he could be a worthwhile rotation guard even in better times. I don’t know if Lonnie will find a place in Philadelphia when everyone is back and healthy, but he’ll find a place somewhere in the NBA.

Quentin Grimes: 29 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, 3 turnovers

Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Grimes continues to produce in his larger role as the central hub of the Sixers offense. He scored 15 of his 29 points in the third quarter as the Sixers pulled back even with the Heat. Obivously, the shot creation is very impressive, but the playmaking for his teammates continues to be the most surprising expansion of Grimes’ game. He spoonfed Marcus Bagley and Adem Bona for a couple dunks. If Quentin doesn’t remain a Sixer next year, we’re organizing some sort of sit-in protest.

Adem Bona: 16 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 3 blocks, 4 turnovers

Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images

Another guy who has secured his rotation player credentials, Bona has improved by leaps and bounds during this rookie season. He had his third career double-double in Miami, displaying his terrific rim protection instincts and showing how things have really slowed down for him on the offensive end. Adem looks much more comfortable finding his spots, and has a nice ability to secure passes in tight quarters around the painted area. He’s a high flyer who attacks the glass like a menace and isn’t taking away anything from you on either end of the court. One positive from this season of misery is that the Sixers have found a viable backup center option for years to come.