Early Lead Doesn’t Hold Up As Sixers (Thankfully) Fall to Warriors

By Doug Ammon, Sixers.com

When the Golden State Warriors rolled into town on Monday night, they arrived with the distinction of having the NBA’s top-rated offense and defense. Touting the loaded Western Conference’s best record and an arsenal of weapons, the Sixers knew it would be an uphill battle from the opening tip.

But at halftime, the NBA’s youngest team saw itself down just 46-44. In the second half, the Sixers stayed in the game, but Philadelphia’s 27 turnovers eventually did them in, as they fell to Golden State 89-84. Although the Sixers couldn’t capture the win, there were plenty of positives to take away from tonight’s contest.

Philadelphia was the first team since the Los Angeles Clippers all the way back on December 25 to hold the Warriors under 100 points. They also held Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson to just 4-of-18 (22.0%) from beyond the arc. Curry’s 25.0% three-point shooting percentage was his lowest in his seven previous games.

“I’m so proud of our guy’s defensive improvement, their attention to defense, they take pride in it and know that it is our identity,” said Coach Brown.

On the offensive side of the ball, Robert Covington has solidified his role as one of the Sixers’ top scoring threats. He finished with a game-high 21 points on 7-of-15 from the field and 4-of-10 from long range. The undrafted, second-year forward outscored both Curry (20) and Thompson (13 points).

When Curry scored his season-high 51 points on February 4, Tim Frazier was in the midst of signing joining the Sixers on a 10-day contract. Five days later, the Penn State alum found himself matched up against one of the league’s front-runners for the NBA’s MVP award.

Frazier didn’t back down from the challenge and ended up tallying career-highs in points (10) and rebounds (6) and also adding a game-high seven assists. With Michael Carter-Williams (toe) and Tony Wroten (knee) both sidelined, Frazier has stepped into starting point guard duties with a fearless acceptance of his new role.

Inside the Numbers: 52

Philly recorded its highest number of total team rebounds since December 21, pulling down 52. Robert Covington and Luc Mbah a Moute led the way with eight boards apiece.

Up Next

The Sixers are off for the next 11 days for the All-Star Break. They return to action on Friday, February 20 at home against the Pacers; action tips at 7:00 (EST).

Be sure to tune in to this weekend’s All-Star festivities to catch Nerlens Noel and Michael Carter-Williams in the BBVA Compass Rising Stars Challenge, which starts Friday at 9:00 (EST) on TNT.