It was a miserable night for everyone, as the teams combined to go 8-for-57 from deep, but Tyrese Maxey and the Sixers did enough to take a 103-91 victory. Maxey scored 29 points to lead the way for Philadelphia on the road.
Advertisement
Joel Embiid had 22 points and nine rebounds, Dominick Barlow added 11 and nine rebounds, and Paul George had 18 and nine rebounds. VJ Edgecombe added six points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and Andre Drummond added seven points and six rebounds.
Here are the players’ ratings after the victory:
Tyrese Maxey: B-plus
It was a rough start for Maxey as he couldn’t buy a bucket at first. He had plenty of good looks against this physical Magic defense, but was unable to convert which allowed Orlando to build an early lead. He was able to get to the free throw line to score points and keep the score moving, but it was a real struggle for him in the first half. He got going in the third, which was when the game started to turn in Philadelphia’s direction. He had a strong drive to the basket before hitting a three-pointer and was able to find rhythm there. He scored 14 points in the third quarter while recovering from the slow start.
Advertisement
VJ Edgecombe: B-minus
Looking to give the Sixers a spark amid a slow start, Edgecombe was able to provide something on the offensive end in terms of scoring. He got into the paint and was able to make some tough buckets while also being a presence defensively and with his passing. However, he took a hit to the face early and went to the locker room. Once he returned in the second quarter, he was back to his old self as he was still attacking the basket and finding a way to impact the game. Overall, he had more opportunities to be aggressive, but he played within himself and gave the Sixers production in many areas.
Paul George: B-minus
The star forward struggled early with his all-around shot, but was able to get to the line early to move the score. He also ran the court and was able to get easy baskets in transition. He rebounded well and had good moments on defense. Overall, George struggled shooting the ball, but he made some big shots in the fourth quarter to help the Sixers keep pace while Maxey rested. There was nothing the Magic could do as George was truly excellent in the final frame.
Advertisement
Dominick Barlow: B-plus
The Sixers needed some energy and easy baskets with effort early, and Barlow gave it to them. He got two quick buckets just by running down the court and finishing in transition. He got another easy one by just hanging on the rim and Embiid finding him with a lob. It was important for the Sixers to look easy from the start. Overall, Barlow gave the Sixers great energy and allowed them to get some extra possessions and easy points.
Joel Embiid: B-plus
Playing in his sixth straight game, Embiid had a rough night. It was a bit slow on the defensive end, as the Magic were able to get easy baskets with both their own offensive rebounds and general dribble penetration in the paint. The big man also had a hard time getting into a rhythm as he missed several jump shots that he normally makes while sleeping. There was a moment in the third where he took a hard foul from Magic rookie Noah Penda that seemed to wake him up a bit. He went to work against the rookie immediately afterward and made his life miserable. Overall, Embiid didn’t have a great game, but he hit some big shots for the Sixers in big moments.
Advertisement
André Drummond: B-plus
Drummond came off the bench and immediately made an impact with an offensive rebound and putback for a score. Overall, Drummond had some good moments on both ends of the floor and gave the Sixers some good production. Some bunnies escaped him, but he was able to give the Sixers some good minutes.
Quentin Grimes: B.
After the Sixers missed their first 12 3-pointers of the night, Grimes finally hit one to put the Sixers on the board in that area. He also provided tough perimeter defense and gave Philadelphia a spark.
Kelly Oubre Jr.: C-minus
It was a rough start for Oubre. He came off the bench and missed all five of his shot attempts in his opening period. He was aggressive when he put the ball on the floor and was able to get into the paint, but he had a hard time converting any of his looks. However, he was useful on the glass, so the Sixers will take him. Offensively it wasn’t much better for him after halftime, but he was tough in other areas.
Advertisement
Jabari Walker: B
Looking for answers, coach Nick Nurse turned to Walker in the second quarter and he helped the Sixers. He had a good baseline and a great pass to Drummond for a dunk and had a great steal against Banchero that led to a Maxey layup in transition.
Jared McCain: B-plus
It was a good first stage for McCain. He came off the bench and had a nice drive to the basket for 2 while providing strong defensive help. He was following the Orlando drivers well and was able to make things happen for Philadelphia. He only played four minutes in this one.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Player Ratings: Tyrese Maxey, Sixers do enough to beat Magic