76ers overcome more bad coaching decisions from Nick Nurse, beat the Hornets 110-104

That’s two in a row, Sixers fans! The 76ers snagged a 110-104 win over the Hornets in Charlotte, improving to 5-14. For much of the game, the Sixers were in control, cruising with a 19-point lead late in the third quarter before enduring a furious second-half rally led by Brandon Miller.

Ultimately, the Sixers held firm thanks to some standout individual performances—and some, uh, not-so-great coaching decisions…again.

Regardless, the 76ers need wins against whoever they are playing. I’m not going to sit here and write that beating the Pistons and then the Hornets without LaMelo Ball is impressive, but as long as there’s another notch in the win column, the show goes on, right?

Paul George

Podcast P hopped on the mic and said that he still believed that the 76ers would turn things around. In fact, I think he promised it would happen, and the last two games, the team two wins, and two stellar outings from the man himself.

George was dialed in, torching the Hornets from three with a 6-9 shooting performance from beyond the arc. He finished the night with 29 points and 8 assists, proving he’s still capable of being the alpha when the Sixers need it most.

PAUL GEORGE: 29 PTS | 8 AST | 2 STL | 6-9 3PT

a stellar night from @Yg_Trece

29 PTS | 8 AST | 2 STL | 6-9 3pt @PALottery pic.twitter.com/kWrwBDVQ0G

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 4, 2024

Yes, I witnessed the cringeworthy turnover late in the fourth that almost unraveled everything, but George’s overall contribution outweighed the small missteps, at least for tonight. He hit clutch shots every time the Hornets threatened a comeback. And while he let Tyrese Maxey take over late, George showed the true reason why the Sixers shelled out serious cash to bring him in.

More of this, please.

Tyrese Maxey

It wasn’t pretty for Tyrese for most of the night.

His jumper was ice-cold (1-7 from three), but when it mattered, he showed up. After Brandon Miller’s seventh three-pointer gave Charlotte a 100-99 lead with 1:32 remaining, Maxey turned on the jets, scoring the Sixers’ final 11 points to ice the game

The kid lived at the line, finishing 10-11 on free throws and reminding us all why he’s one of the Sixers’ foundational pieces. Even on an off shooting night, he found a way to win.

Kelly Oubre

Finally, Kelly’s three-point shot woke up. Coming into the game shooting a dismal 25.3% from deep, Oubre caught fire early, hitting all three of his first-quarter triples and finishing 4-5 from beyond the arc.

The Sixers need more of this from him to dig out of their early-season hole. Oubre’s streaky shooting is part of the package, but a few more games like this could stabilize the rotation.

Jared McCain

Jared snapped his cold streak from 3 (2-21 over the last 3 games), hitting 3-4 from beyond the arc and scoring 17 points in only 22 minutes.

a pair of @J_mccain_24 triples for your viewing pleasure: pic.twitter.com/wIWxhivJfS

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 4, 2024

Why only 22 minutes?

Ya know, I wish I had more to write about Jared McCain but unfortunately, our Rachel Maddow look-a-like of a coach only played him again, for 22 minutes.  

McCain was flawless in the first half and sat on the bench while the Hornets chipped away at the lead. I’m not saying Nick Nurse actively wants to lose games, but leaving one of your hottest shooters on the sideline during crunch time is, let’s say, a choice.

The Nick Nurse Rotation Frustration (Again)

Let’s just say it: I’m done with Nick Nurse’s lineup decisions. Tonight’s win should’ve been easier, but once again, Nurse overthought it.

Why is Kyle Lowry still getting minutes? Marcus Hayes can write an article saying Joel is shaming the legacy of his dead brother, but he can’t ask Nick Nurse “why the fuck do you keep playing Kyle Lowry?” 

They can even be nice about it:  “Hey Nick, what did you LOVE out of Kyle tonight?” 

Make him answer that question.  

He played 13 forgettable minutes tonight, and there’s no explanation for it. Someone—anyone—needs to ask Nurse why Lowry keeps touching the court. Is it a veteran leadership thing? Nostalgia? Make it make sense because right now it makes me want to jump off the Ben Franklin Bridge.

And Caleb Martin? Look, I get he’s a streaky player, but his shot’s been broken all year, and his defense isn’t enough to justify the minutes he’s getting.

Meanwhile, Ricky Council IV is barely getting a sniff of playing time. Ten minutes for a guy who consistently brings energy? That’s malpractice.

https://twitter.com/sixers/status/1864107796695789582

Rebounding Woes

Adem Bona was the only active true center tonight, and he played a measly 14 minutes.

The Sixers were crushed on the boards, losing the rebounding battle 47-31 and giving up 15 offensive rebounds. You have a young, athletic center who rebounds and defends. I don’t know, maybe just play him instead of tinkering with the lineup, Nick?

I just know Nick Nurse itching to put Andre Drummond back into the rotation when he’s healthy too. It drives me absolutely crazy just thinking about it.

A Win is A Win…

A win’s a win, but this game was more of a sigh of relief than a statement.

Paul George and Tyrese Maxey saved the day, while Kelly Oubre and Jared McCain showed flashes of what this team could be. But Nick Nurse’s baffling rotation decisions and a lack of emphasis on rebounding continue to make things harder than they need to be.

The Sixers are showing signs of life, but until the coaching staff gets out of its own way, these wins will feel more like escapes than progress. Here’s hoping someone gets Nurse a wake-up call before this season spirals further out of control and really, beyond repair.

76ers Updates: Injury Report, Larry Nance Jr. bends the knee, NBA Cup elimination, tonight’s game against the Hornets

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