76ers Overcome Magic with Maxey’s Explosive Performance

In a high-octane showdown that electrified the Wells Fargo Center, the Philadelphia 76ers surged past the Orlando Magic with a thrilling 136-124 victory, despite the absence of their superstar Joel Embiid. The night belonged to Tyrese Maxey, who delivered a career-high 43 points, igniting the home crowd and steering the Sixers to a flawless 3-0 start to the season. With Embiid, the reigning 2023 MVP and two-time scoring champion, sidelined to rest his surgically repaired left knee, many wondered if Philadelphia could maintain their momentum. Maxey answered those doubts emphatically. He erupted in the fourth quarter, pouring in eight consecutive points during a pivotal stretch that broke the Magic’s resistance. His dazzling display—capped by a clutch three-pointer and a fearless driving layup in the final minutes—cemented his status as the Sixers’ new offensive engine, pushing his season average to a staggering 37.0 points per game. The drama didn’t end there. Rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick in the NBA Draft, continued his meteoric rise with a 26-point explosion, bringing his total to 75 points over his first three NBA games. Not to be outdone, Kelly Oubre Jr. added 25 points, providing critical support in Embiid’s absence. On the other side, Orlando’s Paolo Banchero fought valiantly, leading the Magic with 32 points. Desmond Bane contributed 24, and Franz Wagner tallied 22, but their efforts were not enough to halt Orlando’s slide, as the team opened a grueling five-game, 10-day road trip with their third consecutive defeat. A moment of magic arrived when Anthony Black drained a three-quarter-court shot at the third-quarter buzzer, narrowing the gap to single digits, but the Sixers’ relentless pace proved insurmountable. Adding a historic note, Andre Drummond etched his name in NBA lore, securing his 11,000th career rebound and becoming just the 32nd player in league history to achieve that milestone. This latest result continues a dominant trend for Philadelphia, who swept the Magic in their 2023-24 season series, including a commanding 20-point win in Orlando last December. Now, with Maxey and Edgecombe lighting up the scoreboard, the Sixers look poised for another deep postseason run—even as Embiid manages his recovery. For the Magic, the road doesn’t get any easier as they head to Detroit, seeking answers and a spark to reverse their fortunes. Meanwhile, the Sixers travel to Washington, eager to extend their unbeaten streak and further announce their arrival as Eastern Conference heavyweights. For more stats and in-depth coverage, visit the official 76ers vs. Magic ESPN recap and follow the action all season on AP NBA.