In a compelling performance on Monday night, Dominick Barlow achieved a career-high of 26 points as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 128-113 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. This victory marked the Sixers’ fourth consecutive win, bringing their season record to 28-21 and positioning them just one game behind the Toronto Raptors in the Eastern Conference standings.
With Paul George serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s Anti-Drug program, Barlow stepped up significantly, contributing not only offensively but also defensively. The 6-foot-9 power forward recorded 16 rebounds, including a remarkable 10 on the offensive end, securing his second double-double of the season. Barlow’s performance drew comparisons to Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, as he became the first Sixer since Barkley in November 1990 to achieve at least 25 points and 10 offensive rebounds in a game.
Barlow swiftly made his mark in the first quarter, scoring 11 points and grabbing four offensive rebounds, becoming the first player this season to record a compilation of at least 10 points, four offensive boards, a steal, and a block within the same quarter. His success was largely attributed to his ability to capitalize on transitional plays.
The Sixers showcased their shooting prowess from beyond the arc, highlighting their improvement with three-point shooting. Tyrese Maxey led the charge, sinking a season-high seven three-pointers, accumulating a total of 29 points alongside six assists. The team collectively made 17 of 39 three-pointers against the Clippers, demonstrating their effectiveness in long-range shooting following a previous win where they shot 22 of 42 from three against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Joel Embiid, while not at his most efficient, still managed to dominate Clippers’ center Ivica Zubac, finishing the game with 24 points, marking the 19th consecutive game he has scored at least 20 points. Zubac, who has consistently struggled against Embiid, posted only eight points and nine rebounds in this matchup.
As the Sixers prepare for their upcoming game against the Golden State Warriors, the team appears to be gaining momentum and depth, especially with Barlow’s emergence and the growing confidence in their shooting game. The contributions from various players appear to be bridging the gap left by George’s absence, providing fans with hope for a successful continuation of the season.