3 observations after George steps up, Maxey comes through late as Sixers eke out win

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3 observations after George steps up, Maxey comes through late as Sixers eke out win originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The 2024-25 Sixers have their first winning streak.

Though they squandered a 19-point lead Tuesday night in Charlotte, the Sixers ultimately eked out a 110-104 victory and improved to 5-14.

Paul George tallied 29 points on 10-for-16 shooting and eight assists. Tyrese Maxey added 21 points and seven assists.

The Hornets fell to 6-15 with their sixth consecutive loss. Brandon Miller scored 34 points and Nick Richards posted a 22-point, 14-rebound double-double.

The Sixers were down two centers in Joel Embiid (left knee injury management/personal reasons) and Andre Drummond (right ankle sprain). Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Tre Mann and Grant Williams were out with injuries.

Next up for the Sixers is a Wednesday night meeting with the Magic in Philadelphia. Here are observations on their tight win over the Hornets:

George and Oubre in the groove early

KJ Martin started his first game since the Sixers’ regular-season opener and Guerschon Yabusele began the night at center.

Defensive rebounding was an obvious challenge for the Sixers. With George switched onto him, Richards grabbed an early offensive board and converted an and-one layup.

Overall, the Sixers’ lack of size wasn’t very problematic in the early going. Two Yabusele offensive rebounds led to the team’s first four points. The Sixers played active, high-energy defense and didn’t mind most Charlotte jumpers. The Hornets were just 3 for 14 from three-point range in the first half.

On the other end, Kelly Oubre Jr. and George sunk just about all of the shots that had been frustratingly rimming out to start this season.

Oubre, who entered Tuesday’s game at 25.3 percent from three-point territory, drained his first four long-range jumpers. George came into Charlotte with a 28.6 season three-point percentage. He went on a personal 9-0 run with a trio of jumpers in the second quarter, emphatically breaking the Sixers out of a mini-funk. Playing with a large brace on the left knee that’s sidelined him twice this year,…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/3-observations-george-steps-maxey-025612057.html

Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia

Publish date : 2024-12-04 02:56:00

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