76ers

“We had a good win last night (against Indiana) and we didn't get complacent. We came out and competed against a really good team.” Devin Vassell scored 20 of his 22 points in the first half, and Keldon Johnson had ...

“But we played hard on defense, we executed and we played with a lot of grunt. “My role is to come in and provide a spark and make those shots,” McDermott said. [Joel Embiid](http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3059318/joel-embiid) had 40 points as Philadelphia fell to 0-3 for the first time since 2016-17. Hopefully, everything will be back to normal.” Through three games, Embiid has a combined minus-17 (5.3 average). It's a fairly new team and it's going to take time to get everyone on the same page. Harden was 4 for 17 from the field, going 1 of 5 from 3-point range. San Antonio (2-1) was more efficient defensively than in either of its first two games, where it yielded 131.5 points on average. “We had a good win last night (against Indiana) and we didn't get complacent. Coming off a 134-137 victory at Indiana on Friday night, the Spurs were 16 for 38 from 3-point range and had a 40-10 advantage in bench points. We need to work on that. “The quick turnaround is not what any of us love, but we all have them. We came out and competed against a really good team.”

The Philadelphia 76ers lost their third straight game to open the 2022-23 season Saturday night, falling to San Antonio 114-105 at home.

Their next chance to break the winless start will come Monday night as they host the [Pacers](https://theathletic.com/nba/team/pacers/). Backcourt teammate [Tyrese Maxey](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/tyrese-maxey-ZaAqNko77dWsPkHu/) fared better on offense, scoring 25 points and hitting three 3’s, but his defense was a major struggle against the Spurs, partially reflected in his -11 plus-minus rating. Center [Jakob Poeltl](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/jakob-poeltl-wzkpB8YKmxhyMN2h/) tallied his first double-double of the season, scoring 13 and snagging 11 rebounds. The strong performance came after a two-game opening stretch where he only made 15-of-39 shots and scored 41 points to start the season. Joel Embiid did play much better (40 points, 10 boards), but it goes without saying, an absolutely brutal loss when you kinda needed a win. The 76ers were loudly booed by their home fans at the end of the loss to the rebuilding Spurs.

PHILADELPHIA–The Philadelphia 76ers were expected to be among the best teams in the league heading into the 2022-23 season. Considering the talent they have ...

So it really slowed me down, but still trying to work my way back. Considering the talent they have on the roster, it made a lot of sense why that would be the expectation for them. “I’m still trying to work my way back,” Embiid added.

Thursday the Sixers dropped their home opener to the Bucks by two points, 90-88. The 76ers return to action on Saturday against the Spurs.

San Antonio lost their season opener at home to the [Charlotte Hornets](https://www.nba.com/sixers/76ers-matchups/charlotte-hornets), 129-102, on Wednesday. [Pacers](https://www.nba.com/sixers/76ers-matchups/indiana-pacers) Friday on the road, 137-134, behind 27 points from former Sixer Josh Richardson. 20 overall out of Ohio State), and Blake Wesley (No. 9 overall out of Baylor), Malaki Branham (No. 25 overall out of Notre Dame). The Sixers trailed by 10 points after three quarters. Harden spearheaded the comeback, while P.J. In addition to his 31 points, Harden also registered eight rebounds, nine assists, two steals, and one blocked shot in Thursday’s game. “I was very happy with that,” 76ers Head Coach Doc Rivers said of Tucker’s defense. He's stepping with us, and we're stepping with him." After Harden’s 35-point effort in the He's not looking to step alone this season.

It's not time to hit the panic button just yet, but fans have to wonder what is going on with the Philadelphia.

The Spurs saw much more consistent scoring, with six players in double digits. Harden finished with a measly 12 points in the loss, though he put up nine rebounds and 11 assists. and Georges Niang combined for just 40 points.

The 76ers, who came into the season with championship aspirations, moved to 0-3 with the loss, matching their worst start to a campaign since 2017. Last year's ...

[Austin Krell of The Painted Lines](https://twitter.com/NBAKrell/status/1583982010762420225?s=20&t=axXPsDtVcENf8wz01ej3OQ). [Ham defends late Westbrook benching: No time for players 'to be in their feelings'](/nba/news/2357414/ham-defends-late-westbrook-benching-no-time-for-players-to-be-in-their-feelings) [Heat's Martin suspended 1 game for instigating altercation with Raptors' Koloko](/nba/news/2457121/heats-martin-suspended-1-game-for-instigating-altercation-with-raptors-koloko) [Ingram ruled out of 2nd half vs. [Devin Vassell](https://www.thescore.com/nba/players/93907) led the way for San Antonio with 22 points and four threes, and seven different Spurs made at least one long ball. The road team totaled 40 points from its reserves. [Gina Mizell of The Philadelphia Inquirer](https://twitter.com/ginamizell/status/1583981923877400576?s=20&t=ZwOuMKrGdRhK_4zAr-p41A). [San Antonio Spurs](https://www.thescore.com/nba/teams/25) shot a blistering 16-for-38 (42%) from beyond the arc Saturday to stun the [Philadelphia 76ers](https://www.thescore.com/nba/teams/4) on the road 114-105.

Many expected the Philadelphia 76ers to bounce back on Saturday night. After facing the Eastern Conference Champions, the Boston Celtics, on Tuesday night, ...

While Monday’s matchup is another opportunity for the Sixers to play a team they look better than on paper, Saturday’s loss to the Spurs proves the Sixers are in no position to take their competitors lightly at this time. With a shockingly disappointing 114-105 loss on Saturday night, the Sixers dropped to 0-3 on the year. The Sixers have a lot of work to do from Saturday until Monday. The Sixers teased a possible comeback for the second-straight game but couldn’t find success as their defense continued to struggle, and their offense remained inconsistent. After facing the Eastern Conference Champions, the [Boston Celtics](http://si.com/nba/celtics), on Tuesday night, the 76ers went home 0-1. [Philadelphia 76ers](http://si.com/nba/76ers) to bounce back on Saturday night.