Jared McCain and Tyrese Maxey shined under pressure Friday night, propelling the Philadelphia 76ers to a 113-98 victory over the Brooklyn Nets in an NBA Cup matchup.
McCain erupted for 30 points, while Maxey added 26, helping the Sixers end a grueling five-game losing skid.
The Sixers played without Joel Embiid, sidelined due to left knee swelling, and Paul George, out with a left knee bone bruise. Despite the absence of their stars, Philadelphia’s young backcourt rose to the occasion, dominating the fourth quarter with an electrifying scoring run that erased a nine-point deficit and sealed the win.
McCain, the rookie guard out of Duke, continued his stellar early-season form, showcasing why he’s quickly becoming a focal point of the Sixers’ offense. With Embiid and George both expected to miss Sunday’s game against the LA Clippers, McCain’s growth provides a silver lining for a team struggling to find its footing.
Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 11 points and nine rebounds, providing crucial support on both ends of the floor. The victory marked just the third win of the season for Philadelphia (3-12, 1-2 NBA Cup) and their first in regulation. Previous victories came against Indiana on October 27 and Charlotte on November 10.
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On the other side, Cameron Johnson carried the load for Brooklyn, pouring in a game-high 37 points. Keon Johnson added 18 for the Nets, who have now dropped four of their last five games, falling to 6-10 on the season (1-2 NBA Cup). Despite Johnson’s heroic effort, Brooklyn’s 19 turnovers proved costly, leading to 28 points for the Sixers.
The turning point came midway through the fourth quarter when Maxey and McCain combined for 19 straight points, transforming a one-point deficit into a commanding 12-point lead. The duo’s explosive stretch not only shifted the momentum but also solidified their roles as the team’s key playmakers in the absence of Embiid and George.
Maxey’s leadership continues to shine, particularly in high-pressure moments. Paired with McCain’s emerging offensive prowess, the duo is proving to be a formidable backcourt pairing, capable of carrying the Sixers during a challenging stretch of their schedule.
For Brooklyn, turnovers and defensive lapses remain a recurring issue. Despite Cameron Johnson’s offensive fireworks, the Nets were unable to overcome their struggles with ball security, allowing Philadelphia to take 13 more shots and dominate the possession battle.
McCain’s performance Friday was yet another reminder of his impressive consistency. The rookie has now scored 20 or more points in seven straight games, a streak that underscores his growing confidence and impact on the court. His ability to step up in critical moments bodes well for Philadelphia as they navigate the NBA Cup and the regular season.
With the win, the Sixers gain some much-needed momentum ahead of Sunday’s clash with the Clippers. Meanwhile, the Nets will look to regroup as they head to Sacramento in search of answers after another disappointing outing.
Both teams face pivotal moments in their respective seasons. For Philadelphia, the continued development of McCain and Maxey could serve as a foundation for long-term success. For Brooklyn, finding consistency and cutting down on turnovers will be crucial if they hope to reverse their recent slide.
As the NBA Cup heats up, Friday’s game served as a showcase for young talent and a reminder that even without their stars, the Sixers have pieces to build around.
