Grimes Lifts Sixers Past Nets After First-Half Surge

March 14, 2026

PHILADELPHIA – Quentin Grimes scored a season-high 28 points as the Philadelphia 76ers held on for a 104-97 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday. The win came despite the Sixers playing without several key players, and a near collapse after building a substantial first-half lead. This matchup showcased the Sixers’ resilience and the Nets’ ongoing struggles.

First-Half Dominance Sets the Tone

The 76ers came out strong, taking a commanding lead early in the game. Philadelphia closed the first quarter with a 29-16 advantage, and extended that lead to as many as 25 points in the second quarter. A dominant performance in the first half saw the Sixers head into the break with a 53-31 lead. Despite shooting just 46.3% from the field, the Nets’ abysmal shooting – 36.0% overall – proved to be their undoing in the opening two quarters. The Nets’ struggles were particularly evident in the first quarter, where they managed only 16 points.

Nets Mount a Furious Comeback

The second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum. The Nets, led by center Danny Wolf and forward Josh Minott, began to chip away at the Sixers’ lead. A 25-9 run in the fourth quarter brought Brooklyn within five points, injecting a sense of urgency into the game. Tyson Etienne even hit a three-pointer with 3:33 remaining, giving the Nets a brief lead. This remarkable turnaround highlighted the Nets’ determination, even as they continue to navigate a difficult season.

Grimes Seals the Victory

Despite the Nets’ spirited comeback, the Sixers managed to regain control in the crucial final minutes. Quentin Grimes, who finished with 28 points and eight rebounds, took over in the clutch, making key shots and securing the win for Philadelphia. Justin Edwards added 19 points and three steals, although rookie VJ Edgecombe contributed 16 points. For the Nets, Danny Wolf finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Josh Minott added 14 points.

Key Stats and Turning Points

The game’s turning point came with 3:02 left in the fourth quarter when Adem Bona’s free throw gave Philadelphia an 88-87 lead, a lead they would not relinquish. The Sixers’ ability to close out the game despite the Nets’ late surge was a testament to their composure and Grimes’ individual brilliance. The Sixers shot 10.3 percentage points better from the field than the Nets, a significant factor in their victory. The Nets’ struggles were compounded by their poor shooting, particularly in the first half.

Sixers Navigate Injury Challenges

The Sixers were without several key players, including Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Kelly Oubre Jr. This victory demonstrates the team’s depth and ability to win even when facing significant adversity. The performance of Grimes and Edwards was particularly crucial in the absence of these stars. It’s a positive sign for Philadelphia as they continue to contend in the Eastern Conference.

What’s Next for Both Teams

The Philadelphia 76ers (36-31) will host the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. The Brooklyn Nets (17-50) will travel to Portland to face the Trail Blazers on Monday, beginning a three-game homestand. For the Nets, this loss marks their third consecutive defeat, and they will look to bounce back against Portland. The Sixers, meanwhile, will aim to build on this win and continue their push towards the playoffs.

This game underscored the Sixers’ ability to win even when shorthanded, while highlighting the Nets’ ongoing struggles and their continued focus on development. The play-by-play details a game of significant runs and a dramatic shift in momentum.