The Philadelphia 76ers notched their most impressive win of the 2018-19 season Thursday night, going into Oracle Arena and beating the Golden State Warriors 113-104. The victory wasn't only the Sixers' first against the Warriors since 2013, but also ended the two-time defending champions' 12-game winning streak – and sent Steve Kerr's team to its first loss with DeMarcus Cousins in the lineup.
Making matters even more impressive? Philadelphia came from behind to beat Golden State without Wilson Chandler, who left the game after draining a three-pointer with 8:15 left in the third quarter. The Sixers would later announce that Chandler, who suffered a right quad strain, would not return to the action.
The 31-year-old forward was acquired by Philadelphia last summer in a trade with the Denver Nuggets, who made the deal to dump his salary and avoid the luxury tax. Chandler has started 31 of the 35 games he's played in with the Sixers, averaging 6.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 26.6 minutes per game. Most importantly, he's shooting a green 38.9 percent from three-point range, his best mark since 2012-13.
The Sixers adjusted on Thursday by giving additional minutes to recently-signed swingman Corey Brewer and backup point guard T.J. McConnell, each of whom acquitted himself well against Golden State. In fact, Chandler was one of two Philadelphia players, along with J.J. Redick, whose plus-minus was in the red. Single-game on-off statistics are notoriously misleading, though, and it goes without saying the Sixers would be better off the next time they face the Warriors with Chandler available for game's entirety.
Here's hoping this injury is of the minor variety, and won't keep him out of the lineup for an extended period.
Follow Us
Subscribe