Memphis Grizzlies: Studs and Duds in tough loss to Sixers

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 31: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 31, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 31: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 31, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 31: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the first quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 31, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies were given a golden opportunity but weren’t able to capitalize, losing to the Joel Embiid-less, Philadelphia 76ers to a score of 112-109. This was a game where Memphis found themselves down early but battled back sending the game to overtime. However, they didn’t have enough to pull away and limit the hot hands for the Sixers.

With Joel Embiid—who has been playing MVP calibre basketball—out of the lineup, this was a perfect chance for the Grizzlies to go into Philadelphia and leave with a win. The Sixers played more like a complete unit and in the end deserved to win this game.

With that being said let’s give some shine to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Tip of the hat to the Philadelphia 76ers

It’s not easy to win a game against one of the NBA’s best teams without your superstar player, but the Sixers responded greatly. They played great team basketball and were led by their second-year stud in Tyrese Maxey.

Maxey was sensational for Philadelphia finishing with 33 points, eight assists, and four blocks. He has been a huge bright spot for them amidst the absence of Ben Simmons this season. His craftiness at the basket proved to be difficult for the Grizzlies’ defense and gave the Sixers a much-needed edge.

That’s enough praise for the opponent, now let’s look at some studs and duds from the Memphis Grizzlies’ loss to the Sixers.