The Philadelphia 76ers (8-5) overcame the Los Angeles Clippers (4-10) 110-108 at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Monday night. Tyrese Maxey’s second-half surge, pivotal contributions from Andre Drummond and Quentin Grimes as well as Paul George and Jared McCain’s respective ramp-up processes headlined Philadelphia’s well-earned victory.
Maxey had us in the first half…
Maxey totaled 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 was stuck as it lacked shot creation outside of Maxey, which pressured him into contested looks off the dribble.
Then, he awoke in the ensuing 24 minutes.
Maxey tallied 27 of his game-high 36 points in the second half as he delivered timely offense when the 76ers needed it the most. Philadelphia’s defense intensified – allowing more transition opportunities that Maxey fully took advantage of. The one-time 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 amidst Joel Embiid’s (right knee soreness) absence. He recorded 14 points on 5-8 shooting from the field and 18 rebounds – marking his fourth straight double-double with at least 12 points. Drummond’s efficiency at the rim and from beyond the arc and presence off the glass were essential in Philadelphia’s 13-point comeback.
Quentin Grimes started the second half in place of Dominick Barlow and it proved to be a swing factor. He poured in 15 of his 19 points in the last two quarters and masterfully guarded James Harden off the dribble. After delivering 18 first-half points, Harden shot 2-16 from the field in the last 24 minutes – much of it Grimes’ doing.
It’s a work in progress
Paul George debuted tonight after missing the 76ers’ first 12 games due to left knee surgery recovery. 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 he understandably lacked adequate shot creation.
After playing two games with the Delaware Blue Coats, Jared McCain returned and saw just five minutes in which he went scoreless. He didn’t attempt a shot as the offense revolved around the 76ers’ other guards and George. McCain is yet to score this season as he navigates where he belongs in an offense that has grown accustomed to his absence.
The 76ers will stay home to face the Toronto Raptors (8-5) on November 19th at 7 p.m. EST.