By Alexander MacLean
On November 2, 2025, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 129–105 at the Barclays Center. The Sixers, playing without Joel Embiid or Jared McCain, showcased their dominance on the court, while the Nets continued their losing streak after another sluggish defensive performance. It marks Brooklyn’s worst start since the 2015–16 season, when they lost their first seven games.
For Philadelphia, Kelly Oubre Jr. ignited the offense from the opening tip, scoring 22 points in the first quarter and finishing with 29 points on 9-of-11 shooting. However, he limped off the court after injuring his ankle at the buzzer in the third quarter. Tyrese Maxey added 26 points, staying consistent as Philly’s top scorer so far this season. Quentin Grimes contributed 22 points, and rookie V.J. Edgecombe chipped in with 16, underscoring the team’s offensive depth even without their star center, Joel Embiid, or their rising guard, Jared McCain. The Sixers ended the first quarter up 40–37.
For Brooklyn, Cam Thomas led the way with 29 points—13 of which came in the fourth quarter when the outcome was already decided. Michael Porter Jr. and Terance Mann each added 17, but the Nets once again struggled to make consistent stops or move the ball effectively. Their defense looked especially weak, as the lineup included several inexperienced players such as Jalen Wilson and Terance Mann, allowing Philadelphia to score easily. Reports from ESPN and the NBA indicate that poor communication and effort have been recurring issues for the Nets.
The real turning point came in the second quarter, when the Sixers outscored the Nets 33–18, opening up a nearly double-digit lead that Brooklyn never recovered from. The Nets’ three-point shooting was especially poor (just 18.4% overall), suggesting they were likely held below that mark in the second quarter, when they managed only 18 points. The Sixers’ execution on both ends of the floor stifled Brooklyn, and the Nets’ lack of urgency made a comeback impossible.
Overall, this game served as a clear statement win for the 76ers and a reality check for the Nets. Philadelphia proved it can dominate without Embiid or McCain, displaying balance, chemistry, and discipline across the lineup. Brooklyn, meanwhile, faces growing pressure to correct its defensive lapses before the season slips further away. As the Nets continue their rebuild, Sunday’s loss highlighted just how far they still have to go to compete with the East’s elite.
