Warriors Defeat 76ers On a Sluggish Friday

Tonight, the Warriors got the best of the 76ers, despite blowing a 20-point lead. It was another close finish, but the Warriors were able to pull it out behind leadership and scoring from David Lee, who took over the game in the 4th. They won by a final score of 96-89. The key stat of the game was free throw shooting—the 76ers shot a miserable 60% from the line.

Why the Warriors Should Be Content: In an altogether close game, the Warriors were shadowed by the 76ers but never completely relinquished their lead. They should be happy that the Sixers failed to capitalize on their 18 turnovers.

December 28, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10, top) shoots the ball over Philadelphia 76ers small forward Thaddeus Young (21) during the third quarter at ORACLE Arena. The Warriors defeated the 76ers 96-89. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

At the end of the first quarter, the Sixers trailed the Warriors 25-24. The second quarter really damaged the Sixers as the Warriors were able to outscore them 32-18. They’re defense and offense were both clicking and it seemed like they would cruise to an easy victory. Landry lead the Warriors with 12 points and 7 rebounds by the end of the half. The Warriors had six threes, and shot more free throws. At the half, they lead it 57-42, closing on a 13-3 run.

In the third quarter, the Warriors, behind some bench intensity as well as incredible shooting, were able to push the lead out to 20. Golden State’s bench outscored the Sixers bench 36-20. Unfortunately for the Warriors, the 76ers found their rhythm, and kept chipping at their lead. Suddenly they were only down 80-71 to start the final quarter amidst an 18-9 run.

The Warriors had a very slow start to the quarter, and their woes rapidly unraveled. The Sixers were only down 82-77 with six minutes remaining in the game. David Lee, however, bursted out to score eight straight points, and put the Warriors up 90-80 on an 8-0 run.

Although the Warriors suffered some sloppy turnovers, they were still able to pull out a 96-89 win.

How the Warriors Won: Two simple words— defense and mentality. A couple times when the Warriors’ lead was cut down to four, Mark Jackson called a timeout and coached them back into the game. The Warriors were easily able to close it out and silence the 76ers on their home floor.

The Warriors move to 20-10 on the season, now in an elite category of teams. Their next game is tomorrow, at home against the struggling Celtics.