Get ready for a thrilling NBA story that will have you on the edge of your seat!
The 76ers' Tyrese Maxey: A Night to Remember
In a highly anticipated matchup, the Philadelphia 76ers faced off against the Orlando Magic on a Friday night, January 9, 2026. The game was a true test of skill and strategy, with both teams bringing their A-game to the court.
Tyrese Maxey, the NBA's third-leading scorer, was the star of the show. Despite a slow start, he finished with an impressive 29 points and three steals, showcasing his ability to turn the game around. Joel Embiid, a key player for the 76ers, contributed 22 points and nine rebounds, solidifying the team's dominance on the boards.
But here's where it gets controversial... The 76ers and Magic combined for a mere 8 successful 3-pointers out of a total 57 attempts! That's a combined shooting percentage of less than 15% from beyond the arc.
Paul George, a reliable presence for the 76ers, stepped up in the second half, scoring 12 points and grabbing nine rebounds. His performance helped the 76ers secure their fifth win in six games, and their fourth consecutive road victory.
Desmond Bane led the Magic with 23 points, while Anthony Black added 21. Paolo Banchero had a well-rounded game, finishing with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.
And this is the part most people miss: The 76ers' shooting from long range was abysmal, hitting only 4 out of 28 attempts (14.3%), while the Magic weren't much better, making just 4 out of 29 (13.8%).
Maxey, despite his impressive scoring average, had a tough first half, making only 3 out of 12 shots and missing all four of his 3-point attempts. But he bounced back in the second half, finishing with a respectable 10 out of 22 overall and 3 out of 8 from three-point range.
When Maxey finally connected on his second 3-pointer of the game, the 76ers were still struggling from deep, having made only 3 out of 22 attempts. But that basket gave them a seven-point lead, and they never looked back. His final 3-pointer, with just over three minutes left, extended their lead to 16 points, sealing the deal for the 76ers.
In a surprising turn of events, referee Bill Kennedy had to leave the court in a wheelchair after suffering an apparent leg injury during the first quarter.
The Magic were missing key players, including Tristan da Silva (back spasms) and Jalen Suggs, who sat out his fourth straight game due to a right knee contusion.
So, what do you think? Was Maxey's performance enough to carry the 76ers to victory, despite their poor 3-point shooting? Or did the Magic's balanced scoring effort give them a chance to upset the 76ers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Up next, the 76ers will play a back-to-back against the Toronto Raptors, while the Magic host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.
