At a Glance
- Tyrese Maxey scored 38 points, including a 7-point burst in the fourth quarter.
- The 76ers defeated the Mavericks 121-114 on Saturday night.
- Joel Embiid was absent, and the 76ers have won six of their last eight games.
- Why it matters: Maxey’s performance keeps Philadelphia in playoff contention while the Mavericks lose a key matchup.
The 76ers’ victory over the Mavericks on Saturday night was a showcase of scoring firepower and resilience, especially in the absence of star center Joel Embiid. The game ended 121-114 in Philadelphia’s favor, with Tyrese Maxey leading the charge.
Early in the fourth quarter, Cooper Flagg hit a short jumper that tied the score at 104 with 8:56 remaining. This play set the stage for a decisive 11-0 run that followed.
During that run, Maxey dropped seven points while Edgecombe contributed the other four. The pair’s effort culminated in a 3-pointer from Maxey that put Philadelphia ahead 115-104 with 6:30 to play.
Edgecombe had a hot start, scoring 14 points in the first eight minutes. His early scoring helped set the tone for Philadelphia’s offensive surge.
Dominick Barlow added 21 points for the 76ers, providing a steady scoring presence. His contribution helped cushion the absence of Embiid and George.
On the Mavericks’ side, Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis each poured in 24 points. Flagg, who turns 19 on Sunday, ranks second among NBA rookies in both scoring (18.6 ppg) and rebounding (6.4 rpg).
Edgecombe, selected two picks after Flagg in this year’s draft, entered third among rookies at 15.6 ppg. He also delivered a highlight-reel dunk in Philadelphia’s 116-107 win over the Knicks the night before.
Embiid was absent for the game, marking his second consecutive miss and the 16th of the season. Paul George also sat out, managing a left knee injury.
Anthony Davis played for the Mavericks despite being listed as probable, while Klay Thompson appeared with a left knee soreness that had him listed as questionable. Thompson managed 10 points, while Davis added 14 rebounds in a fight to keep the Mavericks competitive.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyrese Maxey | 38 | 5 | 7 in 4th quarter |
| VJ Edgecombe | 26 | 3 | 14 in first 8 min |
| Cooper Flagg | 24 | 6 | 19 years old, 2nd rookie scorer |
| Anthony Davis | 24 | 14 | Illness, 14 rebounds |
The Mavericks head to New Orleans on Monday night for their next matchup. The 76ers will host the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, a game that could further solidify their playoff position.
Key Takeaways
- Tyrese Maxey‘s 38 points, including a crucial fourth-quarter burst, led Philadelphia to a 121-114 win.
- Joel Embiid and Paul George were absent, yet the 76ers maintained a strong offensive output.
- The game highlighted the rising impact of rookies Cooper Flagg and VJ Edgecombe, both contributing double-digit scoring.
In a game that underscored Philadelphia’s depth and scoring ability, the 76ers’ victory over the Mavericks keeps them firmly in playoff contention while the Mavericks face a tough road ahead. Their performance demonstrates resilience even without key frontcourt players. Fans can expect a strong showing in the upcoming Nets matchup.
