The Philadelphia 76ers escaped a tough matchup against the Sacramento Kings, thanks in large part to the duo of Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, who carried their team from start to finish. The Kings, who were playing without three key rotation pieces and had entered on a six-game losing streak, looked like an easy opponent for the 76ers.
However, coach Nick Nurse emphasized that his team couldn't take this matchup lightly, and he was proven right as the 76ers went dormant in the second half before ultimately emerging victorious. Maxey, who has struggled to regain his early-season form, finally broke out of his slump on Thursday with a dominant performance, scoring eight points in a three-possession span in the first quarter.
Maxey's return to dominance was a key factor in the 76ers' ability to find their offensive rhythm in the fourth quarter. He led the team with heaters in each of the first two quarters and entered halftime with 23 points on just 10 shot attempts. His efficiency was a far cry from his early-season form, but he made it up for lost time by carrying the offense in the second half.
Embiid also had an impressive performance, showcasing his rapid progression over the last month. He scored 40+ points in each of the team's last four games and showed no signs of slowing down on Thursday. His historic scoring prowess has best been exemplified over the years by his 40-plus point barrage or his record-breaking 70-point game from two years ago.
One of the most significant benefits of Embiid playing an entire first quarter was that he had a chance to not just get his team into the bonus, but capitalize on it to generate free throws. His long-range touch is also finally coming around, as evidenced by a beautiful step-back three-pointer in transition.
While Embiid's rapid progression over the last month changes the 76ers' short- and long-term outlooks, it's worth noting just how difficult it was to conceive of something like this even a month ago. The team has come a long way since their opening night loss without Embiid, who scored only two points in 20 minutes.
Some additional notes include Embiid's extended stints in the game, which have become longer and more frequent, as well as his ability to create and thrive off his own rhythm. He has been a one-man show at times, but it's clear that he is no longer the lone source of consistent offense for the team.
In contrast, Jared McCain was quiet in this one after a breakout performance on Tuesday, while Adem Bona struggled with fouling and lost the backup center spot again. However, coach Nurse has shown flexibility in his lineup decisions, and it will be interesting to see how he adjusts over the course of the season.
The 76ers will look to continue their winning streak against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, which will also serve as a reunion for the 2001 Sixers.
However, coach Nick Nurse emphasized that his team couldn't take this matchup lightly, and he was proven right as the 76ers went dormant in the second half before ultimately emerging victorious. Maxey, who has struggled to regain his early-season form, finally broke out of his slump on Thursday with a dominant performance, scoring eight points in a three-possession span in the first quarter.
Maxey's return to dominance was a key factor in the 76ers' ability to find their offensive rhythm in the fourth quarter. He led the team with heaters in each of the first two quarters and entered halftime with 23 points on just 10 shot attempts. His efficiency was a far cry from his early-season form, but he made it up for lost time by carrying the offense in the second half.
Embiid also had an impressive performance, showcasing his rapid progression over the last month. He scored 40+ points in each of the team's last four games and showed no signs of slowing down on Thursday. His historic scoring prowess has best been exemplified over the years by his 40-plus point barrage or his record-breaking 70-point game from two years ago.
One of the most significant benefits of Embiid playing an entire first quarter was that he had a chance to not just get his team into the bonus, but capitalize on it to generate free throws. His long-range touch is also finally coming around, as evidenced by a beautiful step-back three-pointer in transition.
While Embiid's rapid progression over the last month changes the 76ers' short- and long-term outlooks, it's worth noting just how difficult it was to conceive of something like this even a month ago. The team has come a long way since their opening night loss without Embiid, who scored only two points in 20 minutes.
Some additional notes include Embiid's extended stints in the game, which have become longer and more frequent, as well as his ability to create and thrive off his own rhythm. He has been a one-man show at times, but it's clear that he is no longer the lone source of consistent offense for the team.
In contrast, Jared McCain was quiet in this one after a breakout performance on Tuesday, while Adem Bona struggled with fouling and lost the backup center spot again. However, coach Nurse has shown flexibility in his lineup decisions, and it will be interesting to see how he adjusts over the course of the season.
The 76ers will look to continue their winning streak against the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, which will also serve as a reunion for the 2001 Sixers.
! Maxey and Embiid are UNSTOPPABLE 
right now! They're like two peas in a pod, making each other better on the court 
. Their chemistry is undeniable, and it's awesome to see them gel so well 
. Coach Nurse has done an amazing job getting the most out of his team, especially with all the injuries they've been dealing with 
. The 76ers are definitely a force to be reckoned with this season 
#Philly76ers #NBA #SixersNation
.
. He's always had that spark, but it seems like he's finally found his groove again. And can we talk about his step-back three-pointer? 
! They totally outperformed expectations and showed that they're more than just Embiid (although he's on fire right now 
. He was struggling just a month ago and now he's scoring 40+ points in every game? That's not just a coincidence, that's like they're trying to send a message 
. And have you noticed how he's been playing longer stints? It's like he's gaining control over the game 
. The coach is also being super flexible with his lineup decisions, almost too flexible 
. Maybe there's more to this story than meets the eye...
that maxey finally broke out of his slump lol what was going through coach nurse's mind when he said they couldn't take this matchup lightly? 
i mean the kings were basically a sitting duck with all those players missing and six-game losing streak but guess what? 76ers showed up to play! 
. The Kings thought they had an easy matchup but the 76ers proved them wrong, that's what I love about this team! 
! I mean, 40+ points in four straight games? That's crazy sauce! 
It's awesome to see the team finding its rhythm with these two leading the charge. But what's up with Jared McCain and Adem Bona's inconsistent play 
they're like a dynamic duo or something 
and it's so refreshing to see them both playing on the same level after that rough start to the season. 
maxey was on FIRE 
i'm low-key hyped for the rest of their games this year 
his game has taken another level up it's crazy how far he's come since opening night last year 
, i was thinking maybe they wouldn't make it past this part of the year but now they're looking strong 
, coach nurse is making some great lineup decisions too 
, can't wait to see what happens against the pelicans next game 
, about time, right? 
coach nick nurse is pretty clutch too, i mean who else can make a 6-game losing streak team look scary again 
. I love how Embiid is becoming more efficient with his shots, it's like he's on 
fire! His step-back three-pointer was 
and showed us what he's capable of 
. I'm loving the way Coach Nurse is mixing up the lineup, it keeps things fresh and exciting 
.
, this Maxey dude is back 
. And yeah, Embiid's been on a roll lately... 40+ points in four straight games? Unbeatable 
! They're carrying the team to wins like pros 
. I'm loving the way Embiid is taking it to the hoop 
and finding the right lineup