Despite MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama leaving the game late in the first half with a rib injury, the Philadelphia 76ers fell to the San Antonio Spurs 115-102 in a crucial loss that could get in the way of the Sixers’ push for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Spurs were led by a balanced attack which included 19 points from Steph Castle, 17 from Victor Wembanyama (all in the first half), and 17 from Dylan Harper off the bench. The Spurs shot 11-32 from 3-point range and committed just nine turnovers on the night.

Joel Embiid had 34 points and 12 rebounds in a losing effort, but the Sixers were let down by Paul George, who had just five points after the first quarter, and Tyrese Maxey, who finished with just 15 points on 6-16 shooting from the field.