76ers Tackle Third-Quarter Struggles with Grimes’ Impact

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers are addressing significant challenges during third quarters, where they hold the second-worst offensive and defensive ratings in the league this season. Ahead of their game against the Toronto Raptors on November 14, 2025, head coach Nick Nurse implemented a strategy that saw Quentin Grimes start the second half, replacing Dominick Barlow in an effort to boost performance.

This adjustment follows Nurse’s decision to rotate players more flexibly, particularly due to injuries affecting the team. Against the Los Angeles Clippers on November 11, Grimes provided energy off the bench, a role he has excelled in throughout the season, averaging 16.8 points per game in just over 31 minutes. Nurse aims to increase Grimes’ playing time, ideally closer to 35 minutes per game, to maximize his impact.

“It’s hard to get a guy off the bench starter’s minutes,” Nurse explained. “We know it, but we still like his pop off the bench to start a game. But that isn’t etched in stone either.”

The 76ers faced the Raptors without star center Joel Embiid, who was managing a right knee injury. Both Embiid and Paul George of the Clippers, who is dealing with his own knee issue, are expected to return for the upcoming game in Milwaukee.

Nurse has shown willingness to modify his lineups based on performance, as evidenced by Tyrese Maxey playing the entire second half against the Clippers. He described Trendon Watford and Barlow as versatile options for the power forward position, capable of staying on the court for extended periods if they are effective.

“It’s all real-time,” Nurse said regarding his decision-making process. “What are we going to do now? What do we think is best?”

While the backcourt has generally been strong this season, Jared McCain has struggled to find his footing. In a recent game, he recorded no points in five minutes of play, bringing his total to just nine attempts without scoring in 36 minutes this season. McCain expressed the difficulty of readjusting after an extended absence due to injury.

“It’s pretty tough,” McCain stated. “You’re just trying to get back to how you used to play, and certain things are different, so you’re trying to get used to that as well in the game.”

McCain has not played competitively for nearly 11 months due to a torn meniscus and a ligament injury in his thumb. Although he participated in two games with Delaware last week, he is still adapting to his new circumstances and is transitioning from a bulky knee brace to a lighter sleeve.

Nurse acknowledged the challenges in reintegrating McCain into the lineup. “It’s pretty hard to judge,” he remarked about McCain’s recent performances. “We were trying to get him in, but it wasn’t the greatest time.”

As the team navigates injuries, Andre Drummond has emerged as a crucial player. In the recent victory over the Clippers, he secured 14 points and 18 rebounds, marking his fourth consecutive double-double and fifth in the last six games. Drummond’s rebounding average of 9.6 per game ranks him 12th in the NBA.

“Drummond has been huge,” Maxey commented. “He played a lot of minutes and did a really good job of holding down the paint.”

Drummond’s performance has also extended to his shooting, hitting a clutch three-pointer against the Clippers. He is currently shooting 43.8 percent from beyond the arc, the highest rate in his 14-year career, and has become a reliable offensive option.

“I told Kyle Lowry two days ago, Drum’s a three-point shooter,” Maxey said. “You can’t knock numbers. If he’s open in the corner, we’ll take it.”

As the 76ers continue to adapt to a changing roster, Barlow remains a key player in the backup center role. His performance alongside Drummond has been pivotal, particularly during games when the team needs defensive stability.

“Every day is going to look different, and just be ready for it,” Barlow said, reflecting on the challenges of adjusting to new roles.

With the ongoing adjustments to their lineup, the 76ers aim to improve their third-quarter performance and solidify their standings in the league as they move forward in the season.