76ers Gut Out 104-97 Win Over Nets Despite Banged-Up Roster

This wasn’t a stat-padding performance against a weak opponent. Brooklyn made a real run in the fourth quarter, and Grimes had to earn every single point.

Justin Edwards Brings the Energy

If Grimes was the engine, Justin Edwards was the spark plug. The young forward chipped in 19 points on an efficient 9-of-13 from the field, adding three steals and two blocks for good measure. He played with an edge — the kind of aggressive, relentless style that gives coaches gray hair and gives fans something to cheer about.

For a 76ers team running short on options, Edwards delivered exactly what was needed: effort, production, and zero hesitation.

The Fourth Quarter Almost Slipped Away

Let’s be honest — this game got uncomfortable.

Philadelphia entered the fourth quarter with a 77-56 lead and looked like they were cruising to an easy win. Then Brooklyn woke up. The Nets went on a massive run, outscoring the 76ers 41-27 in the final frame and cutting the deficit to just one point at 87-86 with under four minutes remaining.

Tyson Etienne hit a three to give Brooklyn their first lead since early in the game. The whole thing felt like it was unraveling. Philadelphia was cold from three — shooting a brutal 3-for-25 from beyond the arc on the night — and suddenly a 21-point cushion was gone.

That’s when Adem Bona stepped up. His pair of free throws with 3:02 left gave the 76ers an 88-87 lead they would never relinquish. The big man finished with 9 points, 10 rebounds, and a performance that reminded everyone why depth matters in a long NBA season.

What This Win Means for the 76ers

Philadelphia improves to 36-31 on the season — good for fourth in the Atlantic Division, 7.5 games back of the Boston Celtics. The 76ers are fighting for seeding in a crowded Eastern Conference, and every single win carries weight.

Winning without your two best players isn’t just a moral victory. It’s proof that this roster has more character than people give it credit for. Head coach Nick Nurse challenged his guards before the game, and they responded. That matters.

Brooklyn Continues to Struggle

For the Nets, this loss marks their third straight defeat. Danny Wolf led Brooklyn with 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Josh Minott added 14 off the bench — but it wasn’t enough. Brooklyn falls to 17-50, a record that tells its own story.

The 76ers host the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday. After a win like this, they’ll have some extra pep in their step.