Philadelphia overcame a great game by Dirks, beating Minnesota 118-109. "It's a team sport," said losing coach Bob. "If we had another couple players like Dirks out there, we'd have won this game easily. But we didn't, so we didn't." Bob has been under fire lately, and the lackluster performance by his players (save Dirks) certainly doesn't improve his job security any.

The normally-quiet Dirks was less than satisfied after the game. "I feel betrayed - like I did my best and my teammates didn't. I don't know if it was coach's fault for not getting the team up, or if the other players just all had an off day at the same time. But this was a close game, we had our chances, and we didn't execute when we needed."

Philadelphia was led by Evans (32 points, 2 assists, a steal), Ziegler (27 points, 2 assists, 3 blocks), Blunt (10 points, 11 boards, 4 assists). Minnesota was led by Dirks (23 points, 8 boards, 2 assists, 2 blocks), Patterson (21 points, 9 boards, 1 assists), Thomas (19 points, 2 assists, a steal).

Philadelphia are now 29-16 and 22-3 at home with this win. They remain at #3 in the Atlantic and stay at #5 overall in the Eastern Conference. With the loss, Minnesota fall to 21-25. They hold at #5 in the Northwest and drop to #11 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Philadelphia roster Minnesota roster