The Philadelphia 76ers missed Paul George due to a left knee hyperextension. As if that wasn’t enough, a few hours into starting this game, Joel Embiid was ruled out of the starting line due to a swelling in his knee. Thus, the Philadelphia 76ers team lineup included Guerschon Yabusele, Caleb Martin, Kelly Oubre Jr., Tyrese Maxey, and Jared McCain. Interestingly, Andre Drummond didn’t make the starting lineup as a backup center. How did the Sixers’ dynamic duo perform?
First Half Performance
In the first quarter, the Sixers team came out with massive energy and hunger. The home team could keep up with the Brooklyn Nets offensively on the court. Despite the team’s size, the Sixers’ hustle outlasted the Nets. Kelly Oubre’s athleticism and Jared McCain’s attempt from deep pushed the team ahead in the first quarter. In the end, the 76ers lead the game with a five-point margin (29-24)
In the second quarter, the Philadelphia 76ers’ ball movement was good. 89% of the Sixers’ shots made came from assists in the second quarter. Also, McCain made a third three-point attempt, which broke the NBA rookie records. Tyrese Maxey came out hot with 10 points, two rebounds, and an assist to help the team take the lead in the first half. The Sixers finished with 53 points, while the Nets had 50 points.
The Real Competition Began
Both teams became more competitive in the third quarter. Since the Sixers’ lead after the first half wasn’t huge, the Nets took advantage of their opponent. Cameron Johnson was the highlight of the third quarter. Johnson had a good shooting night and helped the Nets take the lead.
At this point, the Sixers fans had given up as it looked like the Nets would win the game. One of the issues the Philadelphia 76ers have had in the second half this season was fatigue. The Sixers players get tired and underperform throughout the second half. Yet, Tyrese Maxey came through for the 76ers. He made back-to-back points from a steal and finished through contact. Maxey’s effort helped the Philadelphia 76ers take the lead in the third quarter (73-72).
Maxey and McCain Saved The Sixers
Cameron Johnson wasn’t having it in the fourth quarter. Johnson made multiple threes and tied his career-high in three points made. He finished with 37 points, two assists, and one rebound with nine three points made. At the beginning of the fourth quarter, the home team was slow. Thus, Johnson’s three-point attempts put the Nets ahead with 90 points, while the Sixers weren’t far behind with 89 points.
Then, Coach Nurse decided to return Maxey to the game to join McCain. This decision improved the Sixer’s offensive power towards the end of the fourth quarter. Maxey and McCain combined for 19 points in the fourth quarter. Also, the Philadelphia 76ers scored 34 points in the fourth quarter, thanks to the team’s defensive effort. With the Sixers team facing turmoil due to the absence of their stars, the franchise’s future looks bright with the team’s dynamic duo.
The Sixers Dynamic Duo Performance
The Philadelphia 76ers outlasted the Brooklyn Net winning with a five-point margin (113-98). Also, Maxey and McCain combined for 56 points in the games. Tyrese Maxey, who was on a minute restriction played for 27 minutes and made every moment count. He had 26 points, four rebounds, five assists, and four steals, with three in the fourth quarter.
Jared McCain was the star of the Sixers team. He had 30 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals with six three points made. If Coach Nurse keeps starting McCain despite Kyle Lowry’s return, the Sixers guard will become the Rookie of the Year. The 20-year-old broke the NBA rookie record with more than three points made in eight straight games.
Aside from that, McCain broke the NBA rookie record for most threes in the first 15 games, passing Allen Iverson, who has 36. The 20-year-old has 38 three-pointers in 15 games. Also, this match is McCain’s seventh consecutive game with 20 points and above. The Sixers rookie plays a different offensive game than Maxey. The rookie helps facilitate the offense while Maxey attacks the rim aggressively.
Final Thoughts
The Philadelphia 76ers team finished with six double digits in points due to their dynamic backcourt performance. The franchise should build around Maxey and McCain next season as Joel Embiid and Paul George won’t be 100% through their career. Though the Sixer’s dynamic duo are both 6‘2, their performance transcends on both ends of the court. The Sixers will play the Clippers on Sunday. Hopefully, the team will continue winning.
