3 observations after Sixers fall just short in 4th-quarter comeback vs. Magic

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3 observations after Sixers fall just short in 4th-quarter comeback vs. Magic originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

The Sixers came up just short of a 2-0 back-to-back Wednesday night.

They suffered a 106-102 loss to the Magic at Wells Fargo Center, dropping to 5-15 on the season.

Jared McCain was the Sixers’ top scorer with 24 points on 10-for-17 shooting. Tyrese Maxey posted 16 points on 7-for-19 shooting and six assists.

Franz Wagner starred for the 16-8 Magic, recording 35 points.

The Sixers were without Joel Embiid (left knee injury management), Paul George (left knee injury recovery), Kyle Lowry (right hip injury recovery) and Andre Drummond (right ankle sprain).

Orlando’s Paolo Banchero and Gary Harris were out with injuries.

Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said pregame he thinks there’s “a chance” Embiid will play Friday night when the Sixers face the Magic again. Embiid did an on-court workout Wednesday and plans to do the same Thursday, according to Nurse.

Here are observations on the Sixers’ defeat Wednesday:

Tough sledding for Bona 

The Sixers started a Maxey-McCain backcourt along with Kelly Oubre Jr., KJ Martin and Guerschon Yabusele.

That unit looked ready to roll defensively. Oubre stole the ball from Wanger around half court, leading to a Maxey fast-break layup. The Sixers held Orlando scoreless until the 9:23 mark of the first quarter and grabbed a 6-0 lead. Yabusele scored seven quick points and made his first four field goals after an off shooting night Tuesday in the Sixers’ win over the Hornets.

Nurse subbed Adem Bona in next to Yabusele about five minutes into the evening. The rookie made an impressive play soon after entering, skying for an offensive rebound off a missed Oubre free throw. That eventually led to a Caleb Martin and-one hoop.

Bona had a difficult matchup against Moe Wagner, who’s been one of the NBA’s most productive backup centers this season, and he struggled in his first stint. The UCLA product picked up two early fouls and got rejected on an audacious dunk attempt over Jonathan Isaac.

Orlando went on a sustained run and took a 15-point lead less than 13 minutes…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/3-observations-sixers-fall-just-030657852.html

Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia

Publish date : 2024-12-05 03:06:00

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