The Philadelphia 76ers took advantage of a bad opponent on Thursday night. The Sacramento Kings come into this game with the worst record in the Western Conference and have lost some key players. While the 76ers are obviously shorthanded as well, they are the better team. In the end, the Kings defeated the Kings 139-118 and returned to the winning column.
VJ Edgecombe scored a career-high 38 points, 7 rebounds and 11 assists, Justin Edwards scored a career-high 32 points and hit a career-high 7 three-pointers, and Quentin Grimes had 27 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds. Andre Drummond came off the bench and scored 13 points, 11 rebounds and 3 blocks, Adem Bonner had 8 points and 10 rebounds, and Dominic Barlow had 12 points and 8 rebounds.
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Here are three of the biggest takeaways from winning:
Edwards continues to play strong
March 19, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Justin Edwards (11) drives past Sacramento Kings guard Daeqwon Plowden (29) during the first quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
Aside from a rough night in Denver, it’s been a huge few weeks for Edwards. The second-year forward is ready for coach Nick Nurse’s call to play, and he’s been playing well while the stars are currently sidelined. One has to wonder if Nurse can find a way to free up playing time for Edwards in Philadelphia moving forward when the Sixers get back into shape again. His performance against the Kings on Thursday will be crucial to the Sixers’ offensive success.
Edgecombe’s proven offensive game
March 19, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) scores against Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) in the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
There’s a lot to like about Edgecomb’s overall game, but he showed real maturity against Sacramento. While the Kings have done a good job of sealing off driving lanes, the rookie will stop off the dribble and knock down some mid-range shots while also finding a way to keep the scoreboard moving while receiving more attention from opposing defenses. It was natural for his name to be at the top of scouting reports, but he has adjusted well. It’s been impressive to see his growth as a player.
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Grimes did it all
March 19, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) dunks against Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (0) in the second quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images
In order for the 76ers to make a difference on offense without their stars, Grimes is under pressure to lead the way. While Edwards got the Sixers off to a fast start and Edgecombe stole the show, it was Grimes who got Philadelphia back on track when the Kings took the lead in the second quarter. His explosiveness around the rim was huge and his three-point shooting was a big part of helping Philadelphia get back in the right direction and earn a huge win.
This article originally appeared on 76ers Wired: 3 takeaways from 76ers’ road win over Kings