No Joel Embiid. No Paul George. No Problem: Sixers Pull Off a Big Win
The Philadelphia 76ers lit up the Wells Fargo Center with one of their most impressive performances of the season on Friday night. Despite being without Joel Embiid and Paul George, the Sixers triumphed over the Brooklyn Nets, securing a decisive 113-98 victory in the NBA Cup contest. This win not only ended their five-game losing streak but also brought them to a 3-12 record on the season, improving their NBA Cup East Group A play to 1-2.
Coach Nick Nurse summed up the night best: “Obviously, we continue to be without some key players, and it’s a great step up by these guys with the effort and energy and all the things they did.”
Rookies Shine and Veterans Deliver
Rookie Jared McCain and Tyrese Maxey were nothing short of spectacular. McCain had a night to remember, racking up 30 points while shooting 6-for-11 from beyond the arc. Adding five rebounds, three assists, and two steals to his stat line, McCain demonstrated why he’s a force to watch. This game marked his seventh consecutive performance with at least 20 points.
“He’s fearless,” Maxey said about McCain. “When you’re fearless like that, when you have that type of confidence, it’s a good feeling. We need that. We need him to be that guy for the duration of the season.”
Maxey himself showed up in a big way, finishing with 26 points on 11-for-17 shooting. He also chipped in five assists, four rebounds, and a game-high four steals. For Maxey, this game was only his second back after recovering from a strained right hamstring, but his impact was undeniable.
Team Effort Fuels the Victory
It wasn’t just McCain and Maxey who carried the team. The Sixers showcased a balanced attack, with several players stepping up in double figures. Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 11 points, Caleb Martin added 10, Guerschon Yabusele posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, and reserve center Andre Drummond chipped in 10 points off the bench.
The Sixers also dominated the hustle stats, forcing 19 turnovers, nabbing a season-high 13 steals, and dishing out 25 assists on 41 made baskets. On the boards, they secured 15 offensive rebounds, showing their determination to outwork the Nets.
Cam Johnson’s Stellar Night
While the Sixers celebrated their win, Brooklyn’s Cam Johnson gave them a scare with a phenomenal performance. The 6-foot-8 small forward scored a game-high 37 points, sinking 9 of his 12 three-point attempts. He was nearly unstoppable, hitting back-to-back triples early in the fourth quarter to give Brooklyn an 83-79 lead.
But the Sixers stayed composed. A pivotal moment came when McCain’s layup regained the lead for Philadelphia at 91-90 with just under six minutes remaining. Moments later, the rookie drained a three-pointer to extend the lead to 94-90, forcing a Brooklyn timeout.
From there, the Sixers took control. Maxey contributed back-to-back layups, and then, after a Brooklyn basket, he nailed a three-pointer to push the lead to 101-92. A breakaway dunk by Maxey following a steal sealed the deal, stretching the lead to 11 points with just over two minutes left on the clock.
Injury Updates on Key Players
The Sixers were without Joel Embiid, who missed the game due to swelling in his left knee. The medical staff decided to hold him out of Friday’s game and treat him over the weekend. “He had some swelling from the last game,” Coach Nurse explained. “That’s something we knew we were going to be dealing with going into this season.”
The 7-foot-2 center never made it to his pregame workout and was ruled out shortly before tip-off. Embiid’s status for Monday’s game remains uncertain, with the team planning to provide an update after the weekend.
Paul George also sat out Friday’s game due to a left knee bone bruise and is expected to miss both games over the weekend. He is set to be reevaluated on Monday.
Stepping Up Without Stars
Playing without their perennial All-Stars, the Sixers showed grit, energy, and a refusal to back down. “Everybody that touched the floor tonight contributed,” said Nurse. “I really liked the activity on the defense.” The Sixers’ ability to step up in the absence of Embiid and George is a testament to their depth and resilience.
Jared McCain’s standout performance is particularly encouraging for Philadelphia. As a rookie, his confidence and ability to rise to the occasion have been remarkable. “There’s going to be different times when you have to play different roles,” Maxey said. “He has to be this guy who is fearless, who can make shots, who can play defense, and play a lot of different roles.”
Looking Ahead
The Sixers will need to bring the same energy and intensity when they face the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. With both Embiid and George still sidelined, the team will once again rely on their young stars and supporting cast to deliver.
Friday night’s victory was more than just a win—it was a statement. The Sixers proved that even without their biggest names, they can compete and succeed. And with performances like this, the team and its fans have plenty to be excited about.
Can the Sixers continue this momentum? Sunday’s matchup will provide another test, but one thing’s for sure: this squad isn’t backing down anytime soon.
Login