Philadelphia 76ers Weekly Report: It’s Finally Over

Game 79: Monday April 7th, 2025

Philadelphia 76ers at Miami Heat

Final Score: MIA 117 – PHI 105

The Sixers started their final week of the dismal 2025 season the right way. With a loss. They were actually tied through three but to everyone’s relief they were crushed in the fourth quarter to secure the L. Adem Bona had yet another good game, while Quentin Grimes put up 29 points and six assists. Justin Edwards took a seat, which probably speaks to the level of confidence they have in him to be a contributor next year. They already want to preserve him at all costs. Thankfully, this season is finally almost over. 

Game 80: Wednesday April 9th, 2025

Philadelphia 76ers at Washington Wizards

Final Score: PHI 122 – WAS 103

The final road game of the season ended up being the final win of the season as well. Luckily with the Brooklyn Nets winning on Tuesday it guaranteed that the Sixers would at least tie for the fifth worst record, even with the win. It also basically ended any hope of the New Orleans Pelicans passing the Sixers too, so it really didn’t matter. With that possibility over with, let’s just call this one a moral win. Ending on a 15 game losing streak would really suck, so why not get a win. 

Bona went 17/9, while Lonnie Walker has also put together a solid stretch. Jeff Dowtin was the real star though, going 11/15 from the field on route to 30 points. Grimes efficiency took a major hit to the end of the year. His unreal efficiency wasn’t going to last, and it will hopefully bring his price down in the coming offseason. 

Game 81: Friday April 11th, 2025

Atlanta Hawks at Philadelphia 76ers

Final Score: ATL 124 – PHI 110

This loss did indeed clinch the fifth worst record for the Sixers. It was an admirable tank job, to fall all the way down, and now we wait for May 12th when the lottery is decided. With how successful the Sixers have been in the draft recently, this could be a real turning point in the franchise. We’ll see how Embiid’s knee holds up, but it’s not impossible for this to be a 1997 San Antonio Spurs situation if they nail the pick. Speaking of draft picks, Adem Bona had an insane April. He averaged 15/8 on 73% shooting and two blocks. That’s a heck of a statline for a rookie, and he really seems like a contributor. Jared Butler scored 25, and he’s also had a number of great games to end the season. Well done tank commanders, your watch is almost over. 

Game 82: Sunday April 13th, 2025

Chicago Bulls at Philadelphia 76ers

Final Score: CHI 122 – PHI 102

Ah the sweet release of the final game of the season. It was fitting for the Bulls to finally put the Sixers out of their misery. It was really the game against the Bulls on February 24th that ended their hopes of scrapping into the playoffs this year. For a final player check, Grimes struggled, while Lonnie Walker and Jared Butler were solid. Walker in particular really started letting it fly from deep and did pretty well. Also Bona was his usual efficient self while also flirting with another double-double. 

While this season was an unmitigated disaster, three good things did come out of it. All three were draft picks, with Jared McCain, Justin Edwards and Adem Bona all looking like NBA pieces at some point. Quentin Grimes looked like a solid pickup and they managed to move off Caleb Martin. Of course they also managed to tank rather successfully. We’ll have to wait for the results of the lottery to know if it was truly successful, but getting a 60% shot isn’t bad. Regardless, this season is finally, finally over. 

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Patrick Yen is a contributor on Back Sports Page.  He has written for NBC, SB Nation, and a few other websites during his journalism career. He has been the Back Sports Page beat writer for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Patrick, a graduate of Ohio State University, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but moved to Columbus, Ohio, early in his life and has lived there ever since. You can find more of Patrick on Twitter @pyen117.