Maxey, Edgecombe, and Oubre power the Sixers over Magic 136-124
Last season, the Sixers didn’t get their third win until mid-November. This year, they’ve already hit 3-0 before Halloween. Philadelphia rolled past the Orlando Magic 136-124 on Monday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena, their most complete performance of the young season despite being without Joel Embiid, Paul George, Dominick Barlow, Trendon Watford, and Jared McCain.
Tyrese Maxey was electric, finishing with 43 points and eight assists while controlling the game from start to finish. VJ Edgecombe looked like anything but a rookie, adding 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting with seven assists.
Kelly Oubre Jr. continued his strong start to the season, posting 25 points and 10 rebounds while setting the tone on both ends of the floor. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 32 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Philly’s high-speed, high-scoring attack.
Finding Frontcourt Answers
With Embiid out for injury management and Barlow sidelined after an elbow procedure, Nick Nurse turned to Jabari Walker and Adem Bona to fill the frontcourt. The results were promising. Bona picked up a couple of early fouls but played with energy and aggression, protecting the rim and finishing with three blocks.
Oubre helped anchor the defense while doing the dirty work on the glass, grabbing five rebounds in the opening quarter alone. His effort was contagious, and the Sixers jumped out to a fast start with 10 quick fast-break points.
The Guards Take Over
When Orlando briefly grabbed a 16-14 lead in the first quarter, the Sixers responded with an 8-0 run fueled by Maxey and Edgecombe. The rookie drained a tough pull-up jumper over Banchero, then hit a floater to stretch the lead to double digits.
Maxey started slow but found his rhythm quickly, hitting five of his next six shots. Quentin Grimes provided a spark off the bench, and Eric Gordon finally checked in late in the second quarter to give the second unit some scoring punch.
By halftime, Maxey and Edgecombe had combined for 40 of the Sixers’ 72 points. Add Oubre and Grimes into the mix, and the team’s starting guards and wings accounted for 67 of those 72 points. The only thing keeping Orlando in it was the free-throw disparity, as the Magic attempted 23 free throws in the first half alone.
Holding It Down Without Maxey
When Maxey hit the bench to start the fourth quarter, the Sixers needed someone to keep the offense afloat. Edgecombe took command as the lead guard, running the show with poise well beyond his years.
He hit a midrange jumper, found open teammates for easy looks, and helped Philadelphia maintain a five-point cushion until Maxey checked back in. Gordon came up clutch with two timely threes, while Justin Edwards nailed a big corner shot to close the third quarter.
Once Maxey returned, it was game over. The All-Star guard closed it out with a cold-blooded dagger three and a series of late buckets that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. The “M-V-P!” chants were back, and for good reason.
Maxey already has two 40-point games in three outings this year, and his confidence seems to grow by the possession.
The Future Looks Bright
It’s easy to forget how controversial the Sixers’ draft choice of Edgecombe was just a few months ago. Some fans wanted Ace Bailey, arguing that Philadelphia didn’t need another guard.
That debate feels silly now.
Edgecombe has fit seamlessly next to Maxey, giving the Sixers a backcourt that’s both explosive and unselfish. They combined for 69 points, 15 assists, and eight rebounds on Monday night. One represents the present, the other the future, and together they’re the foundation of something special.
VJ Maxx Available Now >>
Oubre’s Two-Way Impact
Oubre has been a revelation to start the season. His shot selection can still be a roller coaster, but his energy, defense, and rebounding have been crucial. He played nearly 40 minutes on Monday, switching across multiple positions, battling Banchero in the post, and grabbing 10 rebounds while putting up 25 points. When Oubre plays with this kind of control and effort, the Sixers become a completely different team.
A Faster, Hungrier Sixers Team
Daryl Morey said all offseason that the team needed to get younger and more athletic. Three games in, that goal has clearly been met. The Sixers are flying up and down the floor, led by Maxey and Edgecombe’s relentless pace. Bona’s rim protection, Drummond’s renewed energy, and Oubre’s defensive intensity have all contributed to a faster, livelier team than the slow, stagnant one we saw last year.
Even in a small sample size, this feels like a team rediscovering its identity. It’s early, but the chemistry between Maxey, Edgecombe, and Oubre already feels real. They’re playing for each other, not just with each other.
The Sixers are 3-0 for the first time since the 2019-20 season and will look to stay perfect when they travel to Washington to face the Wizards on Tuesday night. For now, though, it’s clear: the vibes are immaculate in Philly.
Join The Chase
Read More
Sixers come up short in 108-100 loss against the Celtics in Game 3
The Sixers lost 108-100 to the Celtics on Friday night…
94.1 WIP doesn’t understand this city, and Joe Giglio saying he doesn’t want Joel Embiid back is Exhibit A
I genuinely do not know who 94.1 WIP is programming…
VJ Edgecombe made NBA History on Tuesday night in Boston
I don’t want to hear another word about the Sixers…
Comments (0)