The Philadelphia 76ers built a massive early lead and survived a late surge to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 104-97 on Saturday at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Quentin Grimes delivered a season-high 28 points and eight rebounds, helping Philadelphia secure the win despite missing several key players, including Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr.
The victory moved the 76ers to 36-31, keeping them ninth in the Eastern Conference standings as they continue to push for postseason positioning.
Philadelphia controlled the game early and built a 53-31 halftime advantage through aggressive defense and efficient scoring inside the arc.
The 76ers shot 46.3% from the field and held Brooklyn to 36.0%, a gap of more than 10 percentage points that played a decisive role in the outcome.
Grimes carried much of the offensive load for the home team, shooting 10-for-22 from the field and converting all seven of his free throws.
Justin Edwards added 19 points and three steals, providing perimeter scoring and defensive pressure.
Adem Bona contributed nine points, 10 rebounds and three blocks, anchoring the interior defense while controlling the glass.
Philadelphia also gained production from multiple rotation players as the roster adjusted to the absence of its primary scoring options.
VJ Edgecombe finished with 16 points and seven assists, while Trendon Watford scored 10 points and grabbed five rebounds off the bench.
The Nets struggled to generate consistent offense but remained within striking distance late in the game.
Brooklyn connected on 15 three-pointers but required 43 attempts, and turnovers disrupted several possessions during their comeback effort.
Danny Wolf led the Nets with 15 points and 10 rebounds, recording a double-double in 26 minutes.
Josh Minott added 14 points off the bench, while Ben Saraf contributed 12 points and five assists.
The Nets played without leading scorer Michael Porter Jr., who missed the game due to an ankle injury.
Brooklyn erased most of its halftime deficit in the second half and briefly moved in front during the fourth quarter.
Philadelphia regained control when Bona converted a free throw with 3:02 remaining, giving the 76ers an 88-87 lead that held through the final minutes.
From that point, the home team executed in half-court sets and converted free throws to close the game.
The Nets dropped to 17-50 with the loss and extended their losing streak to three games.
Philadelphia now prepares for a quick turnaround as it hosts the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. Brooklyn will face the same opponent next, welcoming Portland on Monday to begin a three-game homestand.
