The suspense remains in the race for the Top 6 after the Sixers' victory over Orlando last night, in a match full of twists and turns where we had to wait until the last minutes to see Philadelphia secure the victory. Nick Nurse's men did the job overall, even if they were slow to kill the match against a Magic team that was still difficult to maneuver.
Everything started well for the locals, well launched by the Maxey-Oubre-Embiid trio before taking off following a series of three 3-point baskets from Buddy Hield, Joel Embiid and Tobias Harris to suddenly go to +15 ( 40-25). Philly knew, however, that the hardest part was just beginning, because Orlando is not the type to give up so easily. Moritz Wagner showed the way with two baskets 5 minutes before the break before seeing Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, then his brother Franz Wagner do what was necessary to restart the match, notably via an 11-2 concluded by a 3-pointer from Gary Harris to return to -2 shortly before the break (63-61).
A 7th victory in a row
Everything had to be done again for the Sixers, starting at +16 after three minutes in the third quarter (82-66 then 93-77) but unable to break away sustainably. The Magic then seized their chance as money time approached by passing a 10-2 initiated by Cole Anthony's 2+1 and completed by the Wagner brothers to come back 7-6 (104-97). When in doubt, Philadelphia was then able to rely on the composure of Tyrese Maxey, who stood out with a floater, a 3-pointer, a mid-distance step-back and a basket on the counter-attack for put his team back on the right path, that of victory, at +10 with 4 minutes remaining.
It was finally the Oubre-Harris-Embiid trio which put an end to the suspense at the very end of the game, allowing the locals to win 125-113 and to continue to hope for qualification at the last minute for the top 6 in the East. . This Sunday, the Magic will host Milwaukee while Philadelphia will host Brooklyn for the last day of the regular season.
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Joel Embiid gets a scare. And the entire Sixers community shook with him. Shortly before half-time, the pivot suffered a nice twist in his left ankle after an attempt near the circle, and was quick to grimace and limp low, before returning to the locker room from the first timeout. More fear than harm since Joel Embiid was able to return to the field and reassure everyone by quickly scoring 3-pointers, to finish with 32 units to go with 13 rebounds and 7 assists.
– Tyrese Maxey ends up as boss. The leader of the Sixers honored in his own way the tribute paid to Allen Iverson this weekend with a big end to the match. While the Magic had put the pressure back on by returning to -7, it was he who got Philly out of trouble, making people admire the extent of his range, between 3-pointers, floater, step-back, and finishing near the circle at full speed. We were once again treated to great Maxey, with great composure and therefore 11 precious points in the last act to fuel his 28 points.
– Everything has to be done. Uncertainty reigns with one small game remaining in the regular season. With its 7th victory in a row tonight, Philadelphia can still hope to find the top 6 of the Eastern Conference on the wire and thus avoid the “play-in” box. For the moment Nick Nurse's troops are still 7th, but have the same record as Indiana (6th) and Orlando (5th). Everything will be decided this Sunday!
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
