Quentin Grimes scored 25 points and VJ Edgecombe added 22 points with 13 rebounds as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Utah Jazz 126-116 on Saturday night at Delta Center.
Trendon Watford contributed 20 points and nine rebounds, while Adem Bona and Cameron Payne each added 16 points, with Payne dishing seven assists in the victory.
Philadelphia overcame 17 turnovers by dominating inside, outscoring Utah 74-52 in the paint and controlling the boards throughout the contest.
Utah was paced by Ace Bailey, who recorded 25 points, seven rebounds, and a season-high five blocks, while Kennedy Chandler added 19 points in his Jazz debut after signing a 10-day contract earlier Saturday.
Bez Mbeng made his first career start, finishing with 13 points, six rebounds, and seven assists, and Elijah Harkless contributed 15 points and a season-high five steals.
After Utah briefly took the lead on a three-point play by John Konchar, Philadelphia went on a 12-2 run capped by Edgecombe’s running dunk to take a 118-110 advantage with 2:35 remaining.
Utah had previously surged early in the second half with back-to-back baskets from Kyle Filipowski, giving the Jazz a 72-64 lead, but the 76ers erased the deficit later in the third quarter.
Bona bookended a 16-4 run with a pair of dunks to give Philadelphia an 80-76 lead and set the tone for a strong closing stretch.
Philadelphia shot 50% from the field and converted 6-of-27 from three-point range, while collecting 56 points in the paint and recording 40 assists on 46 made baskets.
Edgecombe’s performance anchored both ends of the floor, contributing to a 76ers win that marked their fourth victory in five games and solidified their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race.
The 76ers will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, while Utah returns home to face the Toronto Raptors.
