The Philadelphia 76ers secured a hard-fought 108-100 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, driven by a resurgent Joel Embiid and a historic performance by Tyrese Maxey.
This win marks the Sixers’ fourth in their last five games, continuing their strong start to the season.
Embiid, returning from a seven-game absence due to knee issues and a three-game suspension, demonstrated why he’s the reigning MVP. Despite a sluggish start—missing his first seven field goal attempts—the 7-footer turned it around in the second quarter. Embiid found his rhythm, sinking eight of his next 10 shots to rack up 19 points before halftime, propelling Philadelphia to a 62-50 lead at the break.
Maxey, meanwhile, stole the spotlight with his first career triple-double. The dynamic guard tallied 25 points, 14 assists, and 11 rebounds, showcasing his versatility and leadership in a game where the Sixers needed every bit of his production. The backcourt maestro’s chemistry with Embiid was evident, especially during pivotal stretches that swung the game in Philadelphia’s favor.
Philadelphia’s supporting cast also played a crucial role. Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 12 points each, providing timely scoring and defensive pressure that kept the Bulls from mounting a full comeback. Their efforts were instrumental as the Sixers weathered Chicago’s late-game surges.
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Zach LaVine led all scorers for the Bulls with 30 points, showing his scoring prowess, while Nikola Vucevic and Coby White added 13 points apiece. Despite their contributions, Chicago couldn’t overcome a second-quarter collapse where they managed just 17 points on 25% shooting—a stark contrast to their hot start in the first quarter.
The Bulls initially appeared poised for an upset, jumping out to a 33-23 lead after one quarter on 52.2% shooting. However, the Sixers roared back with a 16-0 run in the second quarter, a pivotal stretch that flipped the game’s momentum. By the time Chicago regained its footing, the deficit proved too large to overcome, despite cutting Philadelphia’s lead to just four points twice in the fourth quarter.
Embiid’s presence was a stabilizing factor for the Sixers throughout. Playing with a brace on his surgically repaired left knee, he logged 32 minutes and 53 seconds, a positive sign for a player looking to regain full fitness. The two-time scoring champion’s ability to dominate the paint and stretch the floor provided a blueprint for Philadelphia’s offensive flow.
Maxey is leading
Maxey’s emergence as a leader continues to be one of the most compelling storylines for the Sixers this season. His ability to balance scoring and playmaking makes him an invaluable asset alongside Embiid. With each game, he seems to be solidifying his status as a cornerstone of the franchise’s future.
The Bulls, now on a two-game losing streak, showed flashes of their potential but were ultimately undone by inconsistent play. Their first-quarter dominance was overshadowed by lapses in the second and third quarters, a pattern that has plagued them in recent games.
Looking ahead, the Sixers will travel to Indiana on Friday, seeking to build on their momentum. Meanwhile, the Bulls aim to bounce back as they host Charlotte, looking to address the defensive and offensive inconsistencies that have hindered their progress.
Sunday’s clash was a reminder of the high stakes in the Eastern Conference, where every win matters. For Philadelphia, Embiid’s return and Maxey’s continued brilliance could signal the start of something special. For Chicago, finding stability remains the key to unlocking their potential.
