The Philadelphia 76ers pulled off a gritty 114-109 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, December 4, 2025, at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia — not because they were dominant, but because they refused to let a depleted opponent steal the game. With Joel Embiid returning from injury and Tyrese Maxey making a game-saving block, the 76ers survived a furious fourth-quarter rally by a Warriors team playing without Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and even Draymond Green, who exited with a right foot injury. The win wasn’t pretty. It was messy, physical, and decided in the final 15 seconds — the kind of game that reminds you why basketball matters.
Embiid’s Return, But Not His Best Night
Joel Embiid didn’t look like the MVP-caliber force he’s been in past seasons. He played 28 minutes, scored 12 points on 5-of-13 shooting, and grabbed six rebounds. He wasn’t dominant. But he was present. And for a 76ers team that had lost two straight without him, presence mattered. "He didn’t need to score 30," said head coach David Grunwald afterward. "He just needed to be on the floor. The defense shifted. The spacing opened. That’s what he brings." The real story wasn’t Embiid’s stat line. It was what happened around him.Warriors’ Desperation Turned Into a Comeback — Briefly
Down by 24 points early in the third quarter, the Warriors looked finished. But with Pat Spencer hitting clutch threes and rookie Brandin Podziemski (playing through a calf strain) dishing out six assists, they ripped off a 15-0 run to start the fourth. By the 7:12 mark, Golden State led 98-97. The crowd fell silent. Even the Warriors’ bench, filled with aging veterans and second-stringers, stood up. This was the kind of rally that could define a season — if they could hold on.Edgecombe’s Moment: Steal, Basket, Seal
With 24 seconds left and the score tied at 112, Jordan Edgecombe — a 6’7” forward who entered the game averaging 4.2 points per contest — caught a pass on the left wing, faked a drive, and stepped back into a 16-footer. Swish. 114-112. The arena exploded. Then came the play that sealed it. On the inbounds, Tyrese Maxey read the pass like a chess master. He jumped the lane, intercepted it cleanly, and was fouled immediately. He sank both free throws. Final: 114-109. No one on the Warriors had a response. Not Draymond Green, who limped off in the second quarter. Not Stephen Curry, watching from the bench in street clothes. Not even the Warriors’ coaching staff, who looked stunned as the clock bled away.Why This Game Matters Beyond the Box Score
The numbers tell a strange story. The Warriors have won by 9.5 points or more in eight of their last nine games against the 76ers. They’ve scored over 109.5 points in their last five visits to Philadelphia. And yet, on this night, with three starters out and their average age creeping toward 31, they couldn’t close. The 76ers, meanwhile, have been playing at the NBA’s fifth-fastest pace over their last five games — and they’re eighth in offensive rebounding at home, pulling down 11.6 per contest. Andre Drummond, the 6’10" veteran, grabbed 10 rebounds — three offensive — and quietly did the dirty work that doesn’t show up on highlight reels.What’s Next for Both Teams?
The 76ers now sit at 14-8, with home-court advantage becoming a real weapon. They face the Milwaukee Bucks in five days. Embiid’s return could be the spark they need for a deep playoff run — if they can stay healthy. The Warriors, now 10-13, are staring at a long winter. With Curry’s quad contusion still unresolved and Kevon Looney listed as doubtful, their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread. "We’re not out of it," said Steve Kerr, Golden State’s head coach. "But we’re not getting any younger. And we can’t keep asking our reserves to carry us against elite teams." The next meeting between these teams is scheduled for May 12, 2025 — a potential playoff preview. But right now, the 76ers have the momentum. And the Warriors? They’re just trying to survive.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Joel Embiid’s return impact the 76ers’ defense?
Even with just 12 points, Embiid’s presence altered Golden State’s offensive approach. The Warriors attempted 12 fewer shots at the rim compared to their average, and their field goal percentage in the paint dropped to 41% — well below their season average of 58%. His rim protection forced drives to stall, and his rebounding disrupted second-chance opportunities.
Why did the Warriors’ comeback fail despite Pat Spencer’s 16 points?
Spencer was the only consistent scorer, but the Warriors lacked playmaking depth. With Curry and Butler out, they averaged just 18 assists — 10 below their season average. Their bench scored only 27 points, and they committed 17 turnovers, including three critical ones in the final three minutes. No one else could create their own shot consistently.
What does this loss mean for Golden State’s playoff chances?
The Warriors now trail the 10th seed by 4.5 games with 47 left to play. Their road record is 4-9, and they’ve lost five of their last six games without Curry. Even if they get healthy, their schedule includes 17 games against teams with winning records — including three matchups with the 76ers. The margin for error is gone.
Is Jordan Edgecombe’s performance a fluke or a sign of things to come?
Edgecombe had never scored more than 10 points in a game before. But his late-game poise and defensive awareness have improved since moving into the starting lineup. His steal and basket weren’t luck — they were reads he’s practiced for months. If he continues to develop, he could become a key rotation piece, especially with Embiid’s minutes managed.
How does the 76ers’ pace affect their long-term success?
Playing at the fifth-fastest pace in the league means more possessions — and more chances to score. But it also means more fatigue. The 76ers are 1-4 in back-to-back games this season. If Embiid can’t stay healthy, their style could backfire in the playoffs, where physicality and half-court execution matter more than transition buckets.
What’s the historical significance of this win for the 76ers?
This was the 76ers’ first win over the Warriors in Philadelphia since 2021. Before this game, Golden State had won 23 of their 37 all-time meetings — including 8 of their last 9 by 9.5 points or more. Breaking that trend, especially with their injuries, sends a message: the 76ers are no longer just a team that loses to elite opponents — they’re learning how to beat them.