The Philadelphia 76ers took advantage of a bad opponent on Thursday night. The Sacramento Kings entered this contest with the worst record in the West and missing a number of their main guys. While the Sixers were, obviously, short-handed as well, they were the better team. It resulted in a 139-118 win over the Kings to get them back in the win column.
VJ Edgecombe had a career-high 38 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists, while Justin Edwards had a career-high 32 points and knocked down a career-high seven 3-pointers, and Quentin Grimes had 27 points, seven assists, and five rebounds. Andre Drummond hopped off the bench and had 13 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks while Adem Bona added eight points and 10 boards and Dominick Barlow had 12 points and eight rebounds.
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Here are the three biggest takeaways following the win:
The continued strong play of Edwards
Mar 19, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (11) drives against Sacramento Kings guard Daeqwon Plowden (29) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Outside of the tough night in Denver, it has been a strong couple of weeks for Edwards. The second-year forward has stayed ready for when coach Nick Nurse calls his name and his production has been huge with the stars sidelined for now. One has to wonder when the Sixers get whole again if Nurse can find a way to carve out minutes for Edwards as Philadelphia moves forward. His production against the Kings on Thursday was paramount for the offensive success of the Sixers.
Edgecombe’s mature offensive game
Mar 19, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) scores against Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
There is so much to like about Edgecombe’s overall game, but he showed some real maturity against Sacramento. While the Kings did a solid job of closing off driving lanes, the rookie would stop on the dribble and knock down some mid-range looks while also finding a way to keep the scoreboard moving amid receiving much more attention from opposing defenses. It’s natural for his name to reach the top of the scouting report, but he has adjusted nicely. It has been impressive to see him grow as a player.
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Grimes does it all
Mar 19, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) dunks the ball against Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) during the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
In order for the Sixers to do anything on the offensive end with the stars out, the pressure is on Grimes to lead the way. While Edwards was able to get the Sixers off to the fast start, and Edgecombe stole the show, it was Grimes who got Philadelphia back on track once the Kings made a run in the second quarter to take the lead. His explosion to the basket was important and his 3-point shooting was a big lift as Philadelphia was able to get back in the right direction and earn a huge win.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 3 biggest takeaways for Sixers following blowout road win over Kings
