Late Sixers run sinks Jazz 106-102 in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — For the second consecutive game, the Utah Jazz were the cardiac kids — but the result was all too similar.

After trailing by as much as 14 points, Utah refused to roll over. They slowly chipped away at Philadelphia's lead before finally retaking the lead late in the third quarter.

But a 12-2 run by the 76ers in the final five minutes made the difference in the Jazz's 106-102 loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday night.

"We're giving ourselves an opportunity to play in these types of moments," Jazz head coach Will Hardy said. "For our young team to learn how to execute down the stretch, what it takes to squeeze out a win at the end. It's really important because you can watch a lot of film and you can try to learn it in practice, but until you're in these environments, there's really no way to simulate it."

Utah led by 6 after Keyonte George drained a 3-point shot as part of his 30-point outing. After the 76ers tied the game, Isaiah Collier scored the go-ahead layup with just over a minute left.

Back-to-back possessions with a drive to the basket by Philadelphia's Quentin Grimes helped give the 76ers the lead with 16.4 seconds remaining. Kyle Filipowski had an open look for a go-ahead 3-point shot, but it didn't go.

Philadelphia controlled the rebound before Jabari Walker was fouled and sent to the line where he made both free throws to secure the win for the 76ers.

"I thought down the stretch, we got a good look there from Flip at the end, who's been shooting the ball from three really well over the last 15 games," Hardy said. "I thought Grimes' two drives late really hurt us but our inability to rebound is why we lost."

George was the catalyst for Utah's run to open the second half as he poured in 15 third-quarter points to get the Jazz back into the game. It was the second consecutive game in which George reached the 30-point threshold, but it wasn't enough once again.

Things looked bleak for the Jazz to begin the game after Filipowski picked up his third foul before the midway mark of the opening quarter. With Utah already thin in the front court, recently signed center Mo Bamba saw the floor early.

In his first action with the Jazz this season, Bamba played well. The former sixth overall pick scored just 4 points but grabbed eight rebounds and blocked two shots, giving Utah a different type of player at center.

"Mo gives us a different dynamic in terms of length and size at the basket," Hardy said. "I thought he handled himself well. Offensively, gave us a real lob threat. Those things are really important for your offense, because it gives you a totally different look."

Turnovers and hot shooting from 76ers' forward Jabari Walker helped Philadelphia take control of the game. Walker recorded his second-straight 20-point game and it was the first time in his NBA career that he has reached that mark in consecutive games.

Walker had 15 first-half points for the 76ers after going 4-for-4 from 3-point range. He finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for Philadelphia.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers in scoring with 25 points in what was an important win for a Philadelphia team that is looking to avoid the play-in tournament in the Eastern Conference.

The Jazz will play the second night of a back-to-back in Washington Thursday night in what is expected to be Trae Young's Wizards debut.

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