The Philadelphia 76ers (8-5) defeated the Los Angeles Clippers (4-10) 110-108 on Monday night at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. Tyrese Maxey’s surge in the second half, crucial contributions from Andre Drummond and Quentin Grimes and the respective ascents of Paul George and Jared McCain headlined Philadelphia’s well-deserved victory.
Maxey had us in the first half…
Maxey scored 12 points on 4-12 shooting from the field as the 76ers trailed by 10 points at the end of the first half. Philadelphia’s offense stalled as there was no shot creation outside of Maxey, which pressured him into contested looks off the dribble.
He then woke up over the next 24 minutes.
Maxey scored 27 of his game-high 36 points in the second half as he made a timely move when the 76ers needed it most. Philadelphia’s defense intensified, creating more transition opportunities that Maxey took full advantage of. The former all-star scorched defenders en route to the rim and delivered timely pull-up threes.
It wasn’t his most efficient performance, but his shot creation continues to carry the 76ers to victory.
Critical contributions
Andre Drummond continues to produce amid Joel Embiid’s absence (right knee soreness). He recorded 14 points on 5-8 shooting from the field and 18 rebounds – marking his fourth consecutive double-double with at least 12 points. Drummond’s efficiency at the rim and from beyond the arc and presence off the glass were key in Philadelphia’s thirteen-point comeback.
Quentin Grimes started the second half in place of Dominick Barlow and it proved to be a swing factor. He scored 15 of his 19 points in the final two quarters and masterfully kept James Harden off the dribble. After scoring 18 points in the first half, Harden shot 2-16 from the field in the final 24 minutes — a big part of Grimes’ work.
It’s a work in progress
Paul George made his debut tonight after missing the 76ers’ first twelve games while recovering from left knee surgery. He finished with nine points on 2-9 shooting from the field, seven rebounds, three assists and two blocks. George scored Philadelphia’s first five points, but understandably lacked sufficient shot creation.
After playing two games with the Delaware Blue CoatsJared McCain returned and saw just five minutes where he went scoreless. He didn’t try to shoot because the offense revolved around the 76ers’ other guards and George. McCain has yet to score this season as he navigates where he belongs in an offense that has grown accustomed to his absence.
The 76ers stay home to take on the Toronto Raptors (8-5) on November 19 at 7:00 PM EST.
#Tyrese #Maxeys #crucial #change #leads #insights #76ers #win #Clippers