Sixers Bell Ringer Season Standings:

Tyrese Maxey – 16

Jared McCain – 8

Joel Embiid – 8

Paul George – 7

Guerschon Yabusele – 4

Kelly Oubre Jr – 2

Ricky Council IV – 2

KJ Martin – 2

Justin Edwards – 2

Quentin Grimes – 2

Adem Bona – 1

Jared Butler – 1

No One – 1

The Chicago Bulls decimated the 76ers 142-110 on Monday night as Philly conceded their second-highest point total in a game this season.

The Sixers came out the gates against the Bulls on Monday in the same fashion they did against the Nets on Saturday. Zero defensive intensity allowed the Bulls to score 13 of their 39 first-quarter points at the free throw line.

It was evident from the jump that the Bulls were going to outrun the Sixers to both ends of the floor, giving them the competitive advantage throughout the game.

The defensive downfall continued into the second quarter, surrendering 36 points in the frame as the Bulls shot 52% from the field and 40% from deep in the first half. With Chicago’s athletic wings and savvy passers in Josh Giddey and Coby White, they were able to get anything they wanted consistently within the first 12 seconds of the shot clock.

A halftime break would not change much for the Sixers, as they were outscored 40-18 in the third quarter. They would turn the ball over seven times, once more than they would the entire first half. This was the moment it felt like the season is officially over. Whether the organization would admit so by shutting down the Big 3 the rest of the season is still up in the air.

The Bulls carried a 39-point lead into the fourth quarter, which became garbage time by default. They saw very strong performances from Josh Giddey (25 points) and Kevin Huerter (23 points).

Although the Sixers’ offense in the first half was not bad, any success they had quickly dwindled by the time the third quarter was complete. Both Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. finished with 19 points.

Nick Nurse: “The overall vibe was really poor from the start.” pic.twitter.com/6WpIguJPmv

— Sam DiGiovanni (@BySamDiGiovanni) February 25, 2025

Let’s get to Bell Ringer:

Paul George: 19 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 2 steals

Lost in the weeds of this game will be a solid Paul George performance. He looked more comfortable with the left pinky injury he has been managing since suffering it on Jan. 25 against the same Chicago Bulls.

The first half we saw from George should keep fans hopeful about a strong next season. He continuously attacked the paint and looked confident shooting his pull-up jumpers. He took smart shots, and was able to create offense when the Sixers were struggling in the second quarter.

The only issue is 16 of his 19 points came in the first half as he fell victim to the brutal third quarter. A full game of a healthy Paul George looking like he did tonight would still be the perfect third option for this team in a serious season.

Considering the unserious outlook the Sixers have on the playoffs, it makes no sense for George to be on the court, risking another injury or re-aggravation of the pinky.

In addition, George gave the media his thoughts about where the team stands postgame:

Paul George: “We’ve shown no sign of a team that will compete and, you know, we just don't have the habits of a champion or a playoff contending team.”

— Adam Aaronson (@SixersAdam) February 25, 2025

Kelly Oubre Jr.: 19 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist

Oubre tried to set the tone early by scoring the first basket of the game off the opening tip with a vicious slam. Unfortunately, the tone would fall on deaf ears.

Oubre continues to be an amazing glue guy for the Sixers, and remains one of the best rebounders on the team. Despite his one blunder in transition, Oubre Jr. has grown tremendously as a passer in his two years in Philly, and playing within his role in the offense.

All of his scoring would come within the paint or at the line, taking and missing all three three-point attempts. He would only miss three other shots.

Andre Drummond: 10 points (8-8 FT), 8 rebounds, 1 steal

The Andre Drummond experience this season has been difficult to watch. Although there were moments in this game that followed suit, like an open layup that he air balled, he played with some of the most energy and determination on the boards for both teams.

Let’s not get carried away, Drummond has no business being on the court when strictly talking his current defensive ability. But his eight made free throws were a season-high and the most he has had in a game since Jan. 2021. For a career 48% free throw shooter, this has to be Bell-Ringer worthy.