Key Takeaways: Philadelphia 76ers defeat Indiana Pacers 118-114 in first win of season

Today was a good day for the city of Philadelphia as both the 76ers and Eagles stood on business.

The Philadelphia 76ers (1-2) got their first win of the season against the Indiana Pacers (1-2) 118-114 in an overtime thriller that featured Tyrese Maxey exploding for a season-high performance.

Here’s what stood out the most:

Tyrese Maxey is good at basketball

Any doubts about Tyrese Maxey’s stardom were silenced tonight. After shooting 2-11 from the field, Maxey awoke – concluding the game with a season-high 45 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks, on 14-32 shooting from the field.

Through the 76ers’ first two games, Maxey’s shots were falling flat from all distances. It was a different story in the second half. Despite his struggles, the all-star guard remained aggressive and was able to catch fire from downtown and finish at the rim with precision. 

45 PTS | 4 AST | 4 REB | 2 BLK | 1 STL

.@TyreseMaxey balled out today. 🏀@PALottery pic.twitter.com/MvskaOHBQy

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 27, 2024

Maxey will need to play more efficiently and create better opportunities for his teammates, but it appears he shook off all of the rust. 

Caleb Martin continues to produce

Caleb Martin has lived up to his reputation in Philadelphia’s first three games of the season – finishing the night as the 76ers’ second-leading scorer with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

While Martin nearly committed a bone-headed foul that would’ve tied the game in overtime, he had a solid outing. The 76ers wing established rhythm scoring off the pick-and-roll and making hustle plays on both ends of the ball.

Caleb Martin just committed the dumbest foul ever 😭 pic.twitter.com/f30PXFf0qh

— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) October 27, 2024

Martin was tasked with guarding both Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, both of which he held his own against.

Guerschon Yabusele provides energy

Guerschon Yabusele has been Philadelphia’s most impactful reserve with Andre Drummond starting in place of Joel Embiid. While Yabusele didn’t score, he produced 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal.

It was a common case of a player’s impact not being properly measured in the box score. Yabusele’s intensity off the glass was incredible as he made multiple high-energy plays that resulted in second-chance opportunities. 

Guerschon Yabusele with a huge offensive board and Tyrese Maxey hits the triple to give the Sixers the lead in Indy. pic.twitter.com/9vEeN0HTBu

— Liberty Ballers (@Liberty_Ballers) October 27, 2024

The 76ers out-rebounded Indiana 54-37 and snared 20 offensive rebounds — a major improvement from last game.

Eric Gordon gives a spark

Eric Gordon showed that he can still contribute in a meaningful fashion. Coming off the bench, the veteran wing notched 15 points on 5-10 shooting from the field and 2-7 shooting from beyond.

Gordon found success on and off the ball – hitting spot-up threes, cutting, and driving to the rim. This type of production won’t be sustainable, but Gordon proved he can contribute a spark here and there. 

ERIC GORDON pic.twitter.com/fbEnqZfW8r

— J🐐 (@SixersJustin) October 27, 2024

Without Joel Embiid and Paul George, Philadelphia was still able to split on this two-game road trip, which is an ideal result considering the circumstances.

The 76ers return home on Wednesday to take on Tobias Harris and the Detroit Pistons at 7:00 p.m. EST. as they aim to get back to .500 and potentially see their new big three in action.

Mandatory Credit: Justin Casterline