Overview
The Philadelphia 76ers extended their perfect start to the season with a 136-124 victory over the Orlando Magic, a game played without star center Joel Embiid who rested his surgically repaired left knee. Led by a sensational 43-point performance from Tyrese Maxey and a breakout showing from rookie VJ Edgecombe, the Sixers moved to 3-0 on the year, proving they can win at a high level even without Embiid on the floor.
Maxey’s masterclass in a starless night
Maxey put on a spectacular scoring display, including eight straight points during a pivotal fourth-quarter burst that helped seal the win. He opened the game with aggressive driving and confident shooting, finishing with 43 points and underscoring his status as the team’s go-to scorer. The Sixers went on to outpace the Magic by continually finding productive looks and converting in late-clock situations, with Maxey delivering when Philadelphia needed him most.
Rookie impact: Edgecombe shines in debut season
VJ Edgecombe continued to turn heads in his rookie campaign, tallying 26 points in the win and reaching 75 points through three games. Selected No. 3 overall in the NBA draft, Edgecombe has quickly established himself as a dependable secondary scorer and a dynamic playmaker, offering the Sixers a spark plug option beyond their established veterans. His aggressiveness on the perimeter and willingness to attack the basket provided the Sixers with additional momentum when the game tilted in favor of Orlando early on.
Supporting contributions and coming up short for Orlando
Philadelphia’s depth was on display as Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 25 points, complementing Maxey’s heroics and Edgecombe’s emergence. Desmond Bane led the Magic with 24 points, while Paolo Banchero added 32, showing he can carry the offensive load against elite competition. Franz Wagner chipped in 22 points, and Orlando’s offense showed fights and flashes, particularly in the third quarter when a late surge kept the game competitive.
Key moments and game flow
Orlando briefly rallied with a long-range shot at the end of the third period, as Anthony Black knocked down a deep, buzzer-beating three-quarter court shot to pull the Magic within six at 101-94. The Sixers answered with disciplined defense and timely offense, preserving a double-digit cushion for most of the fourth quarter. Maxey’s late stretch, including the decisive burst after a 3-pointer turned into a driving dagger, effectively sealed Philadelphia’s 3-0 start in a effort that looked smooth despite Embiid’s absence.
What it means moving forward
Philadelphia’s ability to win without Embiid provides a strong message about the team’s depth and versatility. With Maxey playing at an MVP-level pace and Edgecombe contributing consistent offense as a rising star, the six-man rotation around Embiid’s return could offer a balanced attack for the season. The win also reinforces the Sixers’ defensive intensity and their willingness to push the pace when opportunities arise, especially in crunch time.
Up next
Magic: At Detroit on Wednesday. Sixers: At Washington on Tuesday. Fans will be watching closely to see how these teams adjust to the rest of the season’s demands and how Embiid’s workload evolves as he continues to recover from knee surgery.
