Joel Embiid misses buzzer beater, Sixers comeback falls short in NBA Cup loss to Celtics
The Sixers had a chance to open the season 5-0 and start their NBA Cup run with a statement win, but Joel Embiid’s potential game-winner rimmed out at the buzzer in a 109-108 loss to the Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
That’s how the 2025 NBA Cup begins. I know, you’re probably just as miserable as me right now, but fear not, a parade down Broad Street is still in the cards.
On a serious note, last night was a heartbreaker and a loud reminder that this team still has some things to clean up.
Rough Start, A Furious Comeback
For the first 18 minutes of the game, it looked like the Sixers had forgotten what city they play for. Boston built a 24-point lead without breaking a sweat, hitting every contested jumper and turning every Philly miss into a layup. It was ugly.
Just when we were all ready to turn the game off and move on with our nights, the Sixers returned to form and just missed yet another epic comeback.
Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey flipped the switch in the second half and dragged the team back into it, with Kelly Oubre Jr. and VJ Edgecombe giving the spark they needed to make it a game again.
Embiid Still Finding His Rhythm
Embiid’s box score won’t blow you away but I would think this is going to be the new standard for the foreseeable future. He notched 20 points in 25 minutes but I will say, it was by far the most mobile he’s looked all year. Embiid was moving better and attacking in space. No arguments here.
It’s clear the minute restriction is still throwing off the team’s rhythm, but you can see the flashes. When Embiid and Maxey run their two-man game, it still feels unstoppable. The problem is when the ball leaves their hands, the offense starts looking like a bad open gym run. They’ll figure it out eventually, but no doubt there’s still a learning curve for everyone not named Tyrese or Joel.
Tyrese Maxey Is That Guy
Maxey once again looked like the best player on the floor for long stretches. He dropped 26 points, 14 assists, and 8 rebounds, and his confidence is through the roof. He’s hitting pull-ups, finishing through contact, and making plays for others like a true lead guard.
The one knock has to be the last possession. With a chance to take the lead, Maxey settled for a tough runner instead of taking it straight at Xavier Tillman. It wasn’t a bad look, but you’d like to see him force the issue there. Even so, this was another “he’s arrived” performance from Maxey.
The Rookie Keeps Showing Up
Let’s talk about VJ Edgecombe. Every time he touches the floor, good things happen. The kid finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists on 7-of-11 shooting, including a massive catch-and-shoot three in the final minute that sent the crowd into chaos.
He doesn’t force anything, makes smart passes, and just has a feel for the game that’s rare for a 20-year-old. The Sixers need to stop pretending he’s just another rookie and start running more through him.
Oubre Has Earned His Spot
Kelly Oubre Jr. is doing everything right. 17 points, 9 rebounds, relentless defense, and the kind of energy that changes games. He’s been the Sixers’ most consistent two-way player not named Maxey, and he deserves to keep his starting spot even when Paul George returns.
The Bad Stuff
Eighteen turnovers. Missed rebounds. Sloppy rotations. You can’t spot the Celtics 24 points and expect to keep pulling off miracle comebacks forever. The defense still needs work and Quentin Grimes’ ballhandling experiment needs to end immediately.
Even with all that, the Sixers were one shot away from stealing it.
What’s Next
The Sixers drop to 4-1 on the season and 0-1 in NBA Cup play, which sounds more dramatic than it actually is. They’ll hit the road for a three-game trip, starting Sunday night in Brooklyn.
Sixers remaining NBA Cup schedule:
- Nov. 14 @ Pistons
- Nov. 25 vs. Magic
- Nov. 28 @ Nets
So yeah, the first night of the NBA Cup didn’t end with confetti but it’s clear this group isn’t going anywhere. If they keep this up, maybe we will get that Broad Street parade… even if it’s for a trophy nobody asked for.
Join The Chase
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