The Philadelphia 76ers demonstrated a strong defensive performance in their recent game in the absence of their star center. Despite missing Joel Embiid, the NBA’s top scorer sidelined with an ankle injury, the team secured a convincing 112-92 victory over the Orlando Magic.
Tyrese Maxey led the scoring for the 76ers with 23 points, closely followed by Tobias Harris and De’Anthony Melton, who contributed 22 points each. This win marks Philadelphia’s ninth in their last 11 games. Maxey highlighted the team’s defensive tactics, which proved effective in this matchup.
“We got deflections, got a lot of runouts. It was our first time trying some different things out there defensively,” Maxey said. “It really worked, really helped us.”
Paul Reed, filling in for Embiid, made a notable impact with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks. Sixers coach Nick Nurse emphasized the need for the team to adapt their playstyle in Embiid’s absence, aiming to maintain their winning ways.
“I think we certainly got to find another style to play because it’s so different when he’s there, and the first couple (games) weren’t great,” Nurse said. “Playing well enough to give ourselves a chance to win is the main thing without Joel.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic Updates
Conversely, the Magic struggled offensively, with Franz Wagner scoring a team-high 24 points. Jalen Suggs and Paolo Banchero also added significant points, but the team’s overall shooting was below par, especially from the 3-point range.
Orlando’s coach, Jamahl Mosley, acknowledged the Sixers’ effective defensive strategy, which stifled the Magic’s offense. Despite finding some open shots, Orlando couldn’t capitalize, leading to their fifth loss in seven games.
“I thought they did a really good job of plugging the paint and our ability to navigate that,” Mosley said. “You have to give them credit for recognizing the game plan and executing it at a high level.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Tyrese Maxey, Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic Updates
The Sixers maintained their lead throughout, with Harris instrumental in a pivotal 9-0 run. Although the Magic briefly narrowed the gap, Philadelphia’s consistent scoring, especially from the three-point line, kept them comfortably ahead. Maxey’s performance rebounded from a less successful outing in a Christmas Day game, showcasing his ability to stay aggressive and effective.
“I stayed aggressive, let the game come to me a little more tonight,” Maxey said. “The shots fell, the same shots I’ve been making all year.”
Looking ahead, the 76ers are set to visit the Houston Rockets, while the Magic will host the New York Knicks, both games scheduled for Friday.
