PHILADELPHIA — Amid speculation and the looming NBA trade deadline, the Golden State Warriors showcased their championship pedigree with a convincing 127-104 win against the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night. Despite the absence of Joel Embiid due to knee surgery, which has significantly impacted the 76ers’ performance, the Warriors demonstrated why head coach Steve Kerr remains optimistic about their chances this season.
Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while Jonathan Kuminga added 18 points to the victory. Klay Thompson, amidst discussions about his future and potential free agency, contributed 18 points, reinforcing his desire to stay with the team that has seen remarkable success over the years.
The win brings the Warriors’ record to 23-25, placing them 11th in the Western Conference standings, just outside the play-in tournament spots. Despite the current standings, Kerr expressed confidence in his team’s ability to achieve something special, indicating no major moves are expected by the trade deadline.
Philadelphia, without MVP candidate Embiid, has struggled, dropping to a 4-12 record in games he has missed. The 76ers’ recent form has seen them lose seven of their last eight games, raising concerns about their ability to compete in the Eastern Conference. Team president Daryl Morey, known for his deadline-day activity, might look to bolster the roster to address the team’s immediate needs.
Ricky Council IV led the scoring for the 76ers with 17 points, but the team’s shooting woes from beyond the arc, missing 24 of 32 three-point attempts, hindered their ability to keep pace with the Warriors’ offensive firepower.
Kerr also shared his hopes for Embiid’s recovery, looking forward to the possibility of coaching him on the U.S. Olympic team this summer. The Warriors’ experience with injuries to key players like Curry and Thompson in past seasons has taught them the importance of resilience and competitiveness, qualities that Kerr believes will help them navigate the remainder of the season.
The Warriors aim to build on this win as they face the Indiana Pacers, while the 76ers look to regroup and prepare for their upcoming game against the Atlanta Hawks, hoping to find a way to secure victories without their star center.
