Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey continued their exceptional performances for the Philadelphia 76ers, each scoring over 30 points for the eighth time this season, in a 124-109 triumph over the Orlando Magic during Friday’s NBA action.
This achievement broke a 58-year-old team record previously held by the legendary duo of Wilt Chamberlain and Hal Greer during the 1965-66 season. 76ers coach Nick Nurse admired the record, acknowledging the legacy of Chamberlain and Greer while highlighting the potential for further growth, particularly for Maxey.
“That’s a cool stat, for sure. Some incredible players there,” Nurse said. “I still say there’s a lot more ceiling there, especially with Tyrese. But they should be a pretty good combo for a while.”
Embiid, the NBA’s top scorer, marked his 19th consecutive game scoring 30 points or more, a franchise record, before sitting out the fourth quarter in the team’s fourth consecutive win.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic Updates
Maxey, demonstrating his critical role in the team, emphasized the importance of maintaining the lead to allow Embiid to rest, acknowledging Embiid’s effort during the initial three quarters. Maxey’s recent form has been impressive, scoring 20 or more points in 11 straight games.
“That’s our job, our group,” Maxey said. “Our job is to take the lead and keep the lead so the big fella can rest. He did a lot in the first three quarters, and our job is to go out there and finish it.”
Embiid praised Maxey’s fourth-quarter performance, underscoring his importance in the team’s strategy.
“When the fourth quarter comes along, that’s his time,” Embiid said. “That’s who we should trust with the ball. He’s our best player, so we’ve got to make sure he gets the ball so he can score and make plays for everybody else.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic Updates
Wendell Carter Jr. put up a strong fight with 25 points and 11 rebounds, and he was supported by Jalen Suggs and Paolo Banchero, who contributed 16 and 14 points, respectively.
The 76ers have been formidable on the road with Embiid, winning their ninth consecutive away game with him in the lineup, contrasting their 2-6 record without him.
Embiid, the 2021-22 season’s MVP, impressed the Magic coach Jamahl Mosley with his ability to dominate regardless of the defensive strategies employed against him. Embiid finished the game with 36 points in just 31 minutes, a feat he achieved along with a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line.
“He’s the (2021-22) MVP for a reason,” Mosley said. “You can have every scheme, but you know he’s getting to the area. You put a hand on him [and] it turns into a foul. If you don’t put a hand on him, he’s making that 15, 17-footer that he’s shooting at a 60 percent clip.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic Updates
An 11-0 run by Embiid and Maxey, which featured a mix of jumpers, a 3-pointer, and a spectacular dunk by Embiid, was pivotal in establishing a lead for the 76ers. Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. extended this lead with 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.
“All this is good,” Embiid said. “I can keep playing these back-to-backs. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to go back in. If we can keep that going, it would be nice.”
In terms of injuries, Magic’s forward Franz Wagner missed his eighth consecutive game due to an ankle injury. Orlando was unable to overcome his absence.
Looking ahead, the 76ers are set to visit the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, while the Magic will host the Miami Heat on Sunday.
