Tyrese Maxey shines late, Sixers edge Wizards in forgettable win

In a game that won’t be remembered past your morning cup of coffee, the Philadelphia 76ers squeaked out a 109-103 win over the Washington Wizards on the back of Tyrese Maxey’s late-game heroics. It wasn’t pretty, and it certainly wasn’t inspiring, but hey, a win is a win—and literally nothing else matters for a team that has struggled to climb the ranks in the East.

Guerschon Yabusele: 21 PTS | 8 REB | 3 AST

The Sixers owe a large part of this win to the surprising brilliance of Guerschon Yabusele, who was their best offensive weapon for much of the game.

Despite being hopelessly outmatched on the defensive glass by Jonas Valančiūnas, Yabusele made up for it by torching the Wizards from deep. He’s been doing this all season, yet opposing teams still seem to think leaving him open is a good idea.

the Yabu fan signs really in full effect tonight. pic.twitter.com/yiv81oP89g

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 9, 2025

Yabusele’s late-game block on Bilal Coulibaly was the defensive highlight of the night and sealed the win for Philadelphia. At this rate, the Sixers might have trouble keeping him around when his contract is up.

Enjoy the “Dancing Bear” while you can, Sixers fans—he’s earning himself a hefty raise.

Tyrese Maxey: 29 PTS | 6 AST | 2 REB

When the Sixers needed him most, Tyrese Maxey delivered. He carried the Sixers in crunch time, putting together a series of clutch plays in the fourth quarter to drag his team to the finish line. His late-game surge included a mix of tough drives to the basket and a crucial step-back three, showcasing the kind of offensive burst that keeps fans optimistic about his future.

TYRESE MAXEY! 😤 pic.twitter.com/h8O4bPS09I

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 9, 2025

Tyrese Maxey’s performance for most of the night was rough. His decision-making was erratic, and he struggled mightily against what should have been favorable matchups. Watching Corey Kispert stonewall him on multiple possessions was a tough pill to swallow.

Tyrese Maxey’s reliance on his right hand and lack of creativity against disciplined defenses are areas that need serious attention.To his credit, he has improved as a playmaker. He connected with Guerschon Yabusele repeatedly in pick-and-pop actions, showing better timing and vision in those sets.

If Tyrese Maxey is the Sixers’ future centerpiece, games like this make you wonder just how high his ceiling really is.

The Supporting Cast: Chaos and Confusion

The rest of the Sixers’ lineup was a mixed bag, to say the least.

Kelly Oubre Jr. started hot but fell into a pattern of ill-advised shots, finishing the game with more contested threes than anyone would care to count. His defensive effort remains commendable, but his decision-making on offense left a lot to be desired.

Adem Bona brought energy and effort, but the rookie is clearly a work in progress. His hustle is great, but he’s not ready to be a reliable rotation piece just yet.

Meanwhile, the rest of the supporting cast—Jeff Dowtin, Ricky Council IV, Reggie Jackson, and Justin Edwards—did little to inspire confidence. It’s hard to blame Maxey for his tunnel vision when these are the players surrounding him.

Coaching and Roster Issues on Full Display

This game was a glaring reminder of the Sixers’ systemic issues. I understand that Nick Nurse didn’t have much to work with last night but it’s been a trend all season long, regardless of who’s available.

The rotations are chaotic, the execution out of timeouts is poor, and the team’s lack of depth is glaring. For a franchise with playoff aspirations, the lack of a clear plan is troubling.

The Sixers have been sitting on an open roster spot all season, and it’s baffling that management hasn’t filled it. Watching a two-way player dominate you should be a wake-up call. The excuse of “maintaining flexibility” doesn’t hold water when your bench is this thin.

Daryl Morey, please wake the hell up, brother. It’s time to make a move.

Silent Night at the Wells Fargo Center

Due to the Sixers broadcast crew being the worst in the NBA, I typically watch games on mute. However, I braved the elements last night and noticed how dead the Wells Fargo Center was throughout the game.

Clearly, that’s a reflection of the growing apathy among Sixers fans. This wasn’t just about the lackluster on-court product—it’s about years of frustration with a franchise that feels stuck in neutral. Fans are tired of bad starts, roster turnover, and failed promises.

Winning a game like this is the bare minimum, and it’s not enough to reignite excitement.

The Sixers won, but it didn’t feel like much of a victory.

Maxey’s late-game heroics and Yabusele’s surprising performance were the bright spots in an otherwise dreary game. But the bigger picture is bleak.

The team lacks direction, depth, and a sense of identity. If the Sixers want to be taken seriously as contenders, they need to address these issues—and fast.

For now, fans are left with more questions than answers. And unless something changes soon, it’s hard to see this season ending in anything but disappointment.

Join The Chase