PHILADELPHIA -- Nic Claxton scored 16 points and tipped in the winning basket as time expired, leading the Brooklyn Nets to edge the Philadelphia 76ers 105-103 on Saturday night. Cam Johnson also made his mark with 23 points, contributing to the thrilling finish. The game had reached its climax when Tyrese Maxey sank a three-pointer with 25 seconds left, tying the match at 103, and helping the 76ers rally from what once was a 17-point deficit.
With time ticking down, the tension mounted. The possibility of overtime loomed large until Keon Johnson missed his long-range shot. Luckily for the Nets, Claxton was there to collect the rebound, scoring just before the buzzer sounded, igniting wild celebrations among his teammates and the visiting fan base.
Despite being fully stacked with All-Stars Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Maxey starting for the 76ers, the franchise seemed to struggle. Embiid scored just 14 points, looked hobbled, and did not play the fourth quarter, demonstrating the frustration felt throughout the organization.
The Nets wasted no time asserting dominance initially. They converted on 15 of 20 shots (75%) during the first quarter, allowing them to maintain their lead even as the 76ers grew stronger late in the game. Trendon Watford also chipped in with 16 points for the Nets, showcasing depth and resilience.
Although the 76ers had their moments—like Maxey leading the charge with 31 points—their shooting woes were prevalent. They missed 21 of 28 three-pointers, which proved costly. Embiid’s absence from the fourth quarter raised eyebrows and left fans concerned as tensions flared within the crowd.
Claxton’s game-winner was not just any basket; he described it as one of the highlights of his career. “Originally, I didn’t even know I did beat the buzzer. I was just trying to process everything...,” Claxton explained, soaking up the moment with disbelief and joy. “It’s definitely top three [moments] of my career.”
Cam Johnson, who had missed his first eight attempts from long-range, found himself at the right place at the right time, tying the game at 103 with his clutch three-pointer late in the match. “We understand what’s at stake here... we’re playing with passion,” Johnson noted, emphasizing the importance of this victory.
Despite pulling within one game of the Chicago Bulls for the final Eastern Conference play-in spot, the win saw the Nets aiming for something beyond mere standings. Coach Jordi Fernández expressed pride not just for winning but for the team's growth. “Great effort. I know it wasn’t pretty at one point... but to keep believing and keep doing the right things is the most important thing,” he said.
Philadelphia’s coach, Nick Nurse, cited Embiid’s rough night as being part of the puzzle. “He’s giving us what he can. He’s not himself...,” Nurse admitted, underscoring the struggles the team faced with their star center being sidelined during the final quarter.
The 76ers had been riding high earlier this season, but this loss has thrown their season—as they stood now at 20-36—into disarray. The defeat marked their seventh consecutive loss, leading to renewed questions about the team’s direction and Embiid’s health. Fans are dwelling on whether the team should pivot toward securing higher draft picks rather than attempting to salvage the current season.
Looking forward, both teams face quick turnarounds with upcoming games on Monday. The Nets will visit the Washington Wizards, hoping to build on their momentum, whereas the 76ers will host the Chicago Bulls, each team pushing for the playoff position.
This thrilling finish encapsulated not just the stakes of one single game but the diverging paths of these two franchises. The Nets celebrated their late-game heroics, showcasing their youthful energy and potential, contrasted against the 76ers, whose promise is seemingly dissipated as they grapple with injuries and mounting frustration. It’s both exhilarating for Brooklyn and concerning for Philadelphia as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
“We got the f*****g win!” Claxton exclaimed after the match, capturing the jubilation of the moment and the significance of their triumph against their divisional rivals.