The Philadelphia 76ers pulled off a gritty 118-115 win over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Xfinity Mobile Arena — a game that came down to a game-saving block by Tyrese Maxey and a go-ahead basket by Jordan Edgecombe. It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t dominant, but it was exactly what the 76ers needed after losing their last seven games following a win. The win snapped a brutal 10-game streak of failing to cover the spread as home favorites after a victory. And somehow, despite missing Joel Embiid and Paul George, they found a way.
Maxey Carries the Load — Again
Let’s be clear: Tyrese Maxey is playing like a legitimate MVP candidate. He dropped 34 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, but it was his final-second defense that turned heads. With 4.2 seconds left and the Warriors down one, Stephen Curry drove left, pump-faked, and rose for what looked like a sure game-winner. Maxey, who had been chasing him all night, leapt from behind and swatted it into the front row. The arena erupted. The Warriors’ bench sat stunned. Curry, who finished with 29 points and 6 assists, just shook his head.
Maxey’s scoring wasn’t just clutch — it was relentless. He hit 11-of-21 from the field, including 4-of-7 from deep. His ability to draw fouls and get to the line (10-of-11 free throws) kept Philadelphia ahead during stretches when the offense stalled. The 76ers were without Embiid (doubtful) and George (game-time decision), and still managed to score 118 points — their highest total in a month.
Warriors’ Injuries Crush Their Momentum
Golden State entered the game already short-handed. Alex Toohey was out, and Jonathan Kuminga, Al Horford, and Quinten Post were all listed as game-time decisions — none played. That left Jimmy Butler as the only reliable secondary option to Curry. Butler, averaging 19.5 points this season, managed just 12 on 4-of-14 shooting. He looked exhausted, constantly battling through screens and chasing Maxey on switches.
The Warriors’ defense, which had been decent on the road (allowing 114.1 ppg), collapsed in the fourth quarter. They gave up 34 points in the final 12 minutes — their worst defensive quarter since November. Their 45.1% team shooting on the season? They shot 39% on Thursday. And while Curry carried them for three quarters, there was no one else to pick up the slack when he needed rest.
Betting Lines Were a Mess — But the Over Hit Hard
The lines were all over the place before tip-off. Action Network had the 76ers as -4.5 favorites with a 221.5 over/under. Covers.com listed them at -3.5 with a 223 total. SportsChatPlace went with -3.5 and 223.5. The final score? 118-115 — 233 total points. The Over crushed every line.
The Warriors had hit the Over in 27 of their last 41 away games — a 26% ROI, according to Covers.com. The 76ers? They were 11-9 to the Over on the season. Both teams were playing fast, both teams were missing key defenders. It was a recipe for fireworks. And the same-game parlays? They paid off. Maxey over 31.5 points? Yes. Andre Drummond over 9.5 rebounds? He had 12 in just 22 minutes. The game going over 224.5? Absolutely.
Home Court Still Matters — Even When the Stars Are Out
Here’s the twist: The 76ers had lost their last seven games after a win. They’d failed to cover the spread in 10 straight home games following a victory. Fans were nervous. Analysts were writing them off. But Xfinity Mobile Arena — loud, electric, packed with 20,300 fans — became the difference. The crowd roared every time Maxey drove, every time Drummond grabbed a board, every time the defense forced a turnover.
The Warriors? They’re 4-8 ATS on the road this season. They’ve covered only once in five games against Eastern Conference teams. Their road record against teams with winning records? 1-5. This wasn’t a fluke. This was a pattern. And Philadelphia exposed it.
What’s Next? A Back-to-Back and a Bigger Test
The 76ers now face a back-to-back against the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. With Embiid still questionable and George’s status unclear, they’ll need Maxey to keep carrying the load. Drummond’s rebounding has been a revelation — he’s averaging 11.3 rebounds in his last five home games. If he keeps this up, and Maxey stays hot, Philadelphia could sneak into the top four in the East.
For Golden State? They head to Boston next, then Milwaukee. Their lack of depth is becoming a crisis. Kuminga’s absence hurts more than anyone admits. Without him, their perimeter defense is a sieve. And if Curry has to carry them every night? That’s not sustainable.
Why This Matters
This game wasn’t about stats or spreads. It was about identity. The 76ers showed they can win without their two All-Stars. The Warriors showed they can’t win without their full roster. Maxey proved he’s not just a scorer — he’s a closer. And for bettors? The Over was the smart play all along. The lines were too low. The pace was too high. The injuries too severe. The market underestimated the chaos.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Tyrese Maxey’s performance impact the 76ers’ chances of making the playoffs?
Maxey’s MVP-caliber play — averaging 32.5 points per game this season — has been the primary driver behind Philadelphia’s 11-9 record despite missing Embiid and George. If he maintains this level, the 76ers are likely to secure a top-4 seed in the East, even with injuries. His ability to create his own shot and draw double-teams opens the floor for role players like Drummond and Grimes.
Why did the Over hit so hard despite low betting totals?
Both teams rank in the top 10 in pace this season, and with key defenders like Embiid and Kuminga out, defensive discipline collapsed. The Warriors were 4-2 to the Over as road underdogs, and the 76ers were 4-2 to the Over as home favorites. The 221.5–224.5 line was too low given the injury context — the actual total of 233 points was predictable to anyone who tracked their recent trends.
What does this loss mean for the Warriors’ playoff hopes?
Golden State’s 11-11 record puts them on the bubble in the West. Their road struggles — 4-8 ATS away — and lack of depth beyond Curry and Butler are major red flags. Without Kuminga, Horford, or Post, they can’t match up physically with elite teams. If they can’t get healthy by mid-January, they risk falling out of the play-in conversation entirely.
Was Andre Drummond’s rebounding a surprise?
Not at all. Drummond has averaged 11.3 rebounds in his last five home games, and he’s recorded a double-double in under 20 minutes twice this season. With Embiid out, he became the primary interior presence. His 12 rebounds on Thursday weren’t luck — they were a direct result of the Warriors’ small-ball lineup and lack of physical bigs.
Why did the 76ers struggle to cover the spread in their last 10 home games after a win?
It’s a mental trend, not a physical one. Philadelphia has a history of underperforming after big wins — often relaxing, over-relying on offense, and letting opponents hang around. Thursday’s game was different: they were desperate. With Embiid out, they had nothing to lose. That urgency flipped the script, and they covered -3.5 by three points.
Can the Warriors survive without Jonathan Kuminga long-term?
Not against elite teams. Kuminga’s 6.3 rebounds and 13.7 ppg provide essential energy and defense. Without him, the Warriors’ bench collapses. Their second unit is now averaging just 28.4 ppg — dead last in the West. If he’s out more than two weeks, they’ll need a trade or a call-up from the G League — or risk missing the playoffs entirely.
Vusumuzi Moyo
I am a journalist specializing in daily news coverage with a keen focus on developments across Africa. My work involves analyzing political, economic, and cultural trends to bring insightful stories to my readers. I strive to present news in a concise and accessible manner, aiming to inform and educate through my articles.
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