By: Kylan Watson
One of the hottest teams in the NBA the Philadelphia 76ers, faced off with the Orlando Magic. Heading into this contest both teams were fighting for a top-six spot in the loaded Eastern Conference. The Sixers played like they wanted this game, as they dominated it throughout the majority of the contest. Thanks to an 11 point fourth quarter scoring explosion from Tyrese Maxey. The Sixers were able to beat the Magic 125-113. Extending their win streak to seven games.
For the seventh straight game Philly cashed in on their high-percentage scoring opportunities created by their ball movement. Before Orlando could even settle into the game they were down by double digits. The trio of Joel Embiid (32 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and had seven assists in the contest), Tyrese Maxey (28 points and five/10 three-pointers in the contest), and Kelly Oubre Jr. (21 points) combined for 71 of Philly’s 125 points. Despite a late second quarter scare where he was limping. Embiid fought through the discomfort and played to start the second-half promptly hitting a three-pointer. Additionally, his improved passing ability was the highlight of this game. He passed his teammates open multiple times throughout this contest. In one instance he found an avenue to use the bounce pass to create a lay-up opportunity for Tobias Harris. That was a pass that would have made Jason Kidd and Jalen Hurts jealous. If he can continue trusting his teammates like he did in this game. The Sixers will make an NBA Finals appearance for the first time since 2001.
Despite the scoring explosion from Philly’s trio, Orlando continued to fight in this contest. They were able to battle back and cut the Sixers lead to eight points in the fourth quarter. The trio of Franz Wagner (24 points), Paolo Banchero (22 points), and Jalen Suggs (20 points) combined for 64 of the Magic’s 113 points. Wagner in particular kept his team in this contest throughout this game. He found avenues to the basket and found the bottom of the net, and got multiple Sixers defenders in foul trouble. However, Philly was able to turn up the defensive pressure. That forced the Magic to make perfect passes and they just could not do it. The turnovers and missed shots allowed Philly to stay ahead of the Magic throughout the contest. Tyrese Maxey put the final nail in the Magic’s coffin as he scored 11 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter to help them win this game.
The Sixers will now host the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday Afternoon, in their season finale. Philly will need to continue to cash in on the high-percentage shooting opportunities created off their ball movement. Like they did tonight, if they can continue that they should be able to stay ahead of the Nets. Additionally, they will need to stay attached to their defensive assignments. Philly cannot afford to let the Nets have multiple opportunities to put the ball in the hoop. If the Sixers can implement these things into their game plan on Sunday afternoon they will get their 47th victory of the season and avoid the 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament.