In The Post: Sixers Defeat The Orlando Magic, 105-94
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 01: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks during the second quarter against the Orlando Magic at Wells Fargo Center on February 01, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
After a tough loss on Monday to the Orlando Magic after blowing a 21-point lead, the 76ers bounce back on Wednesday for a 105-94 win. Philadelphia is now 33-17 on the season and ends the four-game homestand with three wins. A necessary win on the schedule. They remain in the third seed in the East. A half-game back of second behind the idle Milwaukee Bucks.
Here’s what stood out tonight:
- After getting off to another good start in the first quarter, the 76ers again had a tough time putting the Magic away. Philadelphia saw their 14-point first-quarter lead after one cut to three at halftime. Orlando is going to be a tough out in the future.
- After much success in his new role as sixth man, Tyrese Maxey has had a rough time over the last two games. There’s no real answer to why he has struggled so much. If there is one player that you may not worry about finding his groove again… it’s Maxey. He’ll be fine. The third-year guard was 2 for 11 from the field and finished with 10 points off the bench.
- Former Sixer Markelle Fultz looks good as a piece for Orlando going forward. He doesn’t have to be the star player living up to #1 overall pick expectations. Instead, he can simply star in his role for Jamahl Mosley’s team. Fultz finished with a team-high 18 points on 7 for 12 shooting and made all four of his free throws.
- James Harden bounced back after a somewhat quiet night on Monday by just missing a triple-double. He was one rebound shy as he posted 26 points, 10 assists and nine boards. The 10-time All-Star went 6 for 10 from behind the three-point line.
- Joel Embiid was his typical great self. He had a double-double of 28 points and 11 rebounds. Going 9 for 17 from the floor and a perfect 10 for 10 from the foul line. The Sixers picked up their big lead in the opening frame with the big fella on the floor for the full 12 minutes. But once he sat down, the Magic made their run and they were able to score in the paint with Embiid out. Montrezl Harrell was the first big-up. But with his struggles defensively in 2 minutes and 15 seconds, Paul Reed got the call to try and slow things down until Embiid returned. This is why a more defensive-minded center may need to be added before the playoffs.
The Sixers have to be glad to get away from this pesky Orlando Magic squad. They now shift their focus to the road as they begin a three-game road trip with the San Antonio Spurs up first on Friday night.
Dylan MacKinnon is The Digital Content Coordinator For 97.5 The Fanatic. he has been an Eagles, Flyers, Sixers, and Flyers fan his whole life. He graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelors in Journalism. Dylan has worked at the Fanatic since 2016, starting as an Intern, moving to the Street team, and eventually was hired as an Associate Producer before settling into his current role in the Digital Department. You may hear him referred to on-air as "The D-Train."
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