PHILADELPHIA – The anticipated nostalgia of celebrating the 25th anniversary of the 2001 NBA Finals Sixers was overshadowed on Saturday by the shocking announcement of Paul George’s 25-game suspension. The Sixers’ focus quickly shifted from reunion festivities to managing the fallout from this significant loss as they faced the New Orleans Pelicans.
Despite the turbulent backdrop, the Sixers secured a 124-114 victory, marking their third consecutive win at home to complete January on a high note. Joel Embiid showcased his talent with an impressive 40-point performance, though his heavy minutes—39 in total—raised concerns about the team’s ability to close out games effectively. The young Pelicans squad, featuring rookie Derik Queen, provided a competitive challenge, especially when they briefly took the lead in the fourth quarter, capitalizing on Tyrese Maxey’s struggles. However, crucial plays by Maxey, Embiid, and VJ Edgecombe helped restore the Sixers’ advantage in front of a lively crowd.
The game also highlighted adjustments in head coach Nick Nurse’s rotation. In response to George’s absence, Nurse implemented a 10-man rotation, reinstating Dominick Barlow into the starting lineup alongside Kelly Oubre Jr. and giving Quentin Grimes an opportunity after returning from injury. Jared McCain remained in the mix, showing promise with effective play, particularly alongside Embiid.
Nurse’s strategic experimentation continued with the inclusion of Trendon Watford and Jabari Walker, aiming to leverage size but facing challenges with floor spacing. Meanwhile, a notable pairing of Adem Bona and Embiid was utilized, showcasing potential as Bona’s energy complemented Embiid’s presence in the paint.
As the Sixers adapt to the significant changes, they will rely heavily on Oubre’s versatility to help fill the void left by George. Nurse expressed disappointment over George’s suspension but emphasized his commitment to maintaining team morale and cohesion during this transition. He underscored the importance of developing a robust rotation that incorporates several players who are poised to step into larger roles.
Looking ahead, the Sixers will embark on a challenging road trip across the West, beginning with a matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. Despite the uncertainty surrounding their lineup, the team remains optimistic about turning the unexpected situation into an opportunity for growth and collaboration.
As they navigate this pivotal moment, the Sixers hope to showcase the resilience that has characterized their season thus far, potentially transforming adversity into a unifying moment for the team.