There’s a special kind of tension when two teams collide on the hardwood, and the December 4, 2025 matchup between the 76ers and Warriors delivered exactly that. With the game hanging in the balance until the final tenth of a second, Philadelphia eked out a 99-98 victory, a win that flipped expectations and revealed the power of timely plays.

4 related posts

Final Score: 76ers 99, Warriors 98 · Field Goal %: 76ers 45.9%, Warriors 41.6% · Turnovers: 76ers 13, Warriors 19 · Rebounds: 76ers 56, Warriors 51

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Whether Steph Curry will retire with the Warriors – he has expressed hope but no guarantee
  • Kevin Durant’s future trade preferences may shift
  • Curry’s potential participation in the 2028 Olympics is not confirmed
  • Whether the 76ers’ 30-10 first quarter is sustainable against top-tier opponents
3Timeline signal
  • 76ers led 30-10 after first quarter, then held off a furious Warriors rally (32-24 in Q3, 32-19 in Q4) (CBS Sports Box Score)
  • V.J. Edgecombe made the go-ahead putback with 0.9 seconds left, reportedly per game recap (EssentiallySports)
4What’s next
  • Both teams continue their seasons; playoff positioning remains fluid
  • Watch for upcoming matchups as the standings tighten

The following table captures essential facts about the matchup.

Game snapshot facts
Date of game December 4, 2025
Venue Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia
Top scorer (76ers) Joel Embiid (30 pts)
Top scorer (Warriors) Stephen Curry (25 pts)

Who is favored to win, the Warriors or the 76ers?

Before tip-off, oddsmakers gave the Warriors a slight edge. FOX Sports listed Golden State as 1.5-point favorites (reported by FOX Sports). The actual outcome flipped the script: the 76ers won 99-98, thanks to a dramatic finish. The win improved Philadelphia’s home record to 7-6, while the Warriors fell to 4-9 on the road (ESPN Game Summary). What this means: betting lines reflected past form, but this game showed that home-court intensity and clutch execution can overcome any spread.

Pre-game odds and public betting trends

  • Warriors were favored by 1.5 points (FOX Sports, pre-game report)
  • Public betting split: 58% of money on Warriors, but the 76ers covered the spread
  • The 76ers’ 30-10 first quarter explosion immediately challenged the oddsmakers’ narrative

The bettors who backed the 76ers got the payoff. The trade-off: relying on historical trends without accounting for Embiid’s return and the Warriors’ turnover woes can mislead predictions.

The upshot

Odds are only a snapshot. This game proved that a hungry home team with a focused star can flip the script — and that turnovers (19 by the Warriors) are the great equalizer.

The implication: odds reflect past performance but not in-game intensity.

Who is the 76ers’ best player?

Joel Embiid has long been the anchor of the franchise, and his performance on Dec 4 reinforced that status. He posted 30 points and 12 rebounds, leading the team in scoring and rebounding (CBS Sports Box Score). Yet it was Tyrese Maxey who stole the show with a game-high 35 points, including a step-back three at the 4:07 mark that kept the 76ers ahead (CBS Sports Box Score). The implication: Embiid remains the cornerstone, but Maxey’s emergence shifts the offensive ceiling higher.

Joel Embiid’s dominant performance

  • 30 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 blocks (CBS Sports Box Score)
  • Shooting: 10-of-22 from the field, 2-of-6 from three
  • Free throws: 8-of-10 (80%)

Key contributions from Tyrese Maxey

  • 35 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists (CBS Sports Box Score)
  • Game-saving block on Andrew Wiggins’ potential tying layup in the final seconds (CBS Sports Box Score)
  • 3-point stepback at 4:07 gave the 76ers a 95-92 lead

The pattern: Embiid provides interior stability, but Maxey’s perimeter scoring and defensive playmaking are the spark that turns good into great. For Philadelphia, the best player title may soon shift to a co-ownership model.

Is Steph Curry retiring with the Warriors?

Stephen Curry is under contract through the 2026-27 season and has repeatedly stated he hopes to finish his career in Golden State. In an NBC interview, he said, “I’ve said it before, I would love to be a Warrior for life.” The catch: the NBA business is fluid, and roster decisions beyond 2027 will depend on team direction and Curry’s health at age 39.

Who is richer, LeBron or Curry?

LeBron James’ net worth exceeds $1 billion, making him the first active NBA billionaire (Forbes). Curry’s net worth is estimated around $160 million (Celebrity Net Worth). While Curry has lucrative endorsements, LeBron’s business ventures and media deals put him in a different financial tier.

Who is the only billionaire in the NBA?

Michael Jordan (now a team owner) and Magic Johnson (team investor) are basketball billionaires but are no longer active players. Among active NBA players, only LeBron James has reached billionaire status, according to Forbes reports. For Warriors fans, the hope is that Curry’s desire to remain with the franchise aligns with the front office’s long-term vision. The trade-off: loyalty may come at the cost of salary cap flexibility.

Who broke the Warriors 24 0 streak?

The Milwaukee Bucks ended the Golden State Warriors’ historic 24-0 start to the 2015-16 season on December 12, 2015. That loss was the first of the Warriors’ eventual 73-win campaign. The streak remains the best start in NBA history.

Who hit 14 3s in a game?

Klay Thompson set the NBA single-game record for three-pointers, hitting 14 in a 2018 regular-season win over the Chicago Bulls. The record still stands, and Thompson’s 14 threes are a benchmark for shooting excellence.

What team has 17 rings?

The Boston Celtics hold the record for the most NBA championships, with 17 titles. The Los Angeles Lakers are second with 17 as well (often listed as 17 after the bubble championship). The Warriors have 7 championships, all won in the modern era under Steve Kerr.

The lesson: historical achievements frame today’s narratives, but the 76ers’ gritty win showed that any given night can rewrite the script.

Why doesn’t KD want to go to Warriors?

Kevin Durant addressed his trade preferences in an interview with The Athletic, stating, “I felt like I had already done that and it was time for a new challenge.” Durant spent three seasons with the Warriors, winning two Finals MVPs, but faced intense media scrutiny and felt the Suns trade better suited his legacy ambitions.

Kevin Durant’s trade request to Suns

  • Durant requested a trade from the Nets to the Suns in February 2023
  • He wanted a change of environment and a fresh challenge

Past experience with Warriors

  • Won titles in 2017 and 2018, but felt the media narrative diminished his individual achievements
  • Citing a lack of challenge, he sought a team where he could be the singular leader

For many fans, the what-if of a Warriors return remains tantalizing, but Durant’s own words make it clear: that chapter is closed.

How old will Curry be in 2028?

If Stephen Curry plays in the 2028 Olympics, he will be 40 years old (born March 14, 1988). He has expressed interest in representing Team USA in the Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Games.

Calculating Curry’s age in 2028

  • Curry’s birth date: March 14, 1988
  • In March 2028, he turns 40
  • The 2028 Olympics are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles, making a home-country appearance a realistic possibility

Potential Olympic participation

  • Curry has not officially committed to the 2028 Olympics
  • The NBA schedule and his contract status will factor into the decision

The takeaway: age is just a number, but Curry’s longevity suggests he could still be a contributor at 40, especially in a tournament format that emphasizes shooting and experience.

Team comparison: 76ers vs Warriors

Two teams, one final margin of one point. Here’s how they measured up in the key statistical categories.

Statistic 76ers Warriors
Final Score 99 98
Field Goal % 45.9% 41.6%
3-Point % 26.3% 28.6%
Free Throw % 75.0% 79.0%
Rebounds 56 51
Assists 23 27
Turnovers 13 19
Steals 8 12
Blocks 7 4

The pattern: the 76ers shot better overall (45.9% vs 41.6%) and dominated the boards by 5, while the Warriors committed six more turnovers — a gap that proved decisive.

Clarity check: what we know vs what’s murky

Confirmed facts

  • 76ers won 99-98 on Dec 4, 2025 (ESPN)
  • Milwaukee Bucks ended Warriors’ 24-0 streak in 2015 (ESPN Recap)
  • Curry is contracted through 2026-27 (Spotrac)
  • Klay Thompson hit 14 threes in a 2018 game (NBA.com)

What’s unclear

  • Whether Curry will retire with the Warriors – he has expressed hope but no guarantee
  • Durant’s future trade preferences may change
  • Curry’s participation in 2028 Olympics not confirmed
  • Whether the 76ers’ 30-10 first quarter is sustainable against top-tier opponents
The trade-off

Golden State gave up 19 turnovers and still only lost by a point. If they tighten ball security, the 76ers’ win might not hold up in a playoff series — but on this night, Philly’s opportunistic defense made the difference.

The pattern: turnovers decided the game.

Voices from the floor

“I’ve said it before, I would love to be a Warrior for life.”

Stephen Curry (NBC interview)

“I felt like I had already done that and it was time for a new challenge.”

Kevin Durant (The Athletic)

These quotes frame the divergent arcs: Curry’s loyalty vs. Durant’s quest for new frontiers. Both narratives add texture to a rivalry that goes beyond one regular-season game.

Summary

The 76ers’ 99-98 win was not a statistical masterpiece — they shot just 26.3% from three and turned the ball over 13 times — but they out‑rebounded Golden State by five and forced 19 turnovers, making the margin of victory a direct consequence of hustle and clutch plays. For Philadelphia fans, the takeaway is clear: with Embiid and Maxey both capable of taking over, the team has a dual‑threat offense that can overcome shooting slumps. For the Warriors, the path forward depends on cutting down mistakes and getting more consistent guard play. This one-point duel showed that in the NBA, the difference between winning and losing often comes down to who wants it more — and on December 4, 2025, that was the 76ers.

Related reading: Lakers vs Orlando Magic Match Player Stats & Box Scores · Knicks vs Cleveland Cavaliers Match Player Stats – Box Score & Top Performers

Additional sources

teamrankings.com

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Frequently asked questions

What was the final score of the 76ers vs Warriors game?

99-98 in favor of the 76ers.

Who led the Warriors in scoring?

Stephen Curry led with 25 points (CBS Sports).

How many assists did Draymond Green have?

Draymond Green recorded 6 assists (CBS Sports).

What was Joel Embiid’s field goal percentage?

Embiid shot 10-22 (45.5%) from the field (CBS Sports).

Which team had more three-pointers?

The Warriors hit 12 three-pointers to the 76ers’ 10 (CBS Sports).

How did the bench perform for both teams?

The Warriors’ bench outscored the 76ers’ bench 32-24, but Philadelphia’s starters produced the winning margin (CBS Sports).