Survival Tactics: Tyrese Maxey, Sixers earn much needed win against the Cleveland Cavaliers 104-97

Tyrese Maxey and the 76ers were back in action last night, playing host to the Cleveland Cavaliers on the second night of a back-to-back in desperate need of a win after losing to the New York Knicks in embarrassing fashion the night before. 

The Sixers walked away with a very important 104-97 victory against the Cavaliers, giving themselves a 2-1 regular series advantage against a team that is ahead of them in the standings.

Tyrese Maxey led the way for the Sixers, scoring 24 points to go along with five assists and seven rebounds. Maxey battled through a rough start and honestly, a rough shooting night in general shooting just 9-of-22 from the floor and 2-of-5 from three point range.

Maxey’s 24 points, included 15 in the fourth quarter and four straight free throws in the final 21.5 seconds.

Tyrese Maxey: 24 PTS, 5 AST, 7 REB

RESE OMG. pic.twitter.com/AfCwQmJ0be

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 24, 2024

After last night’s disaster-class, I touched on Cameron Payne playing “uninspiring basketball” off the bench for the Sixers. He shot just 3-of-6 from the floor and knocked down his lone foul shot to finish the night against the Knicks with just 7 points.

Against Cleveland, Cam Payne bounced back. The “Cam Payne Trail” hit 4-of-6 three pointers and shot 6-of-11 from the floor to finish the night with 16 points. 

Highlights: Cameron Payne – 16 PTS, 6-11 FG, 4-6 3PT

Jarrett Allen led the Cavs with 24 points and 9 rebounds. Darius Garland added 20 points and 9 assists. Max Strus scored 14 points, Isaac Okoro had 11 and Evan Mobley collected 10 rebounds in the loss.

Philadelphia 76ers vs Cleveland Cavaliers

• Tobias Harris: 15 PTS, 9 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL
• Buddy Hield: 13 PTS, 5 REB, 3-6 3PT 
• Kelly Oubre Jr: 10 PTS, 5 REB, AST, STL 

Buddy Hield Dagger 🗡️

Buddy Hield was efficient given the small volume of shots taken. He went 5-of-9 from three point ranger and 3-of-6 from beyond the arc to finish with 13 points. Hield did deliver a dagger with 31.3 seconds left in the fourth quarter to give the Sixers a commanding 100-92 lead.

https://t.co/Ahc4p67fds pic.twitter.com/vkrKZdwcCN

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 24, 2024

A win last night was huge. The Sixers managed to hold onto a 1.5 game lead over the Indiana Pacers who are right behind them in sixth place in the Eastern Conference Standings. 

I’m well aware that the Cavaliers were playing without Donovan Mitchell (illness) for the second straight game but at this point with the players the Sixers have available, they will take any advantage they can get.

Next Up: The Sixers will host Doc Rivers and the Milwaukee Bucks tomorrow in South Philly before hitting the road to play the Boston Celtics Tuesday night. 

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Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports