3 observations after Sixers succumb to big Magic run, squander another great McCain game

3 observations after Sixers succumb to big Magic run, squander another great McCain game originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

ORLANDO, Fla. — Even with Joel Embiid and Paul George in action Friday night, the Sixers sunk to a dismal 0-10 this season in regulation games.

A dozen games in, the team still has just two overtime victories. They fell to a 98-86 loss to the Magic in the NBA Cup, dropping to 0-2 in that competition.

The Magic improved to 8-6 overall and 7-0 at Kia Center. Franz Wagner led Orlando with 31 points, 11 rebounds and six assists.

The Sixers squandered another great performance by rookie guard Jared McCain. He exceeded 20 points for a fourth consecutive game, scoring 29 on 10-for-17 shooting.

Embiid had 20 points on 5-for-15 shooting and eight rebounds.

Tyrese Maxey, who joined the Sixers for their three-game road trip, remained out with a right hamstring strain. A Sixers official said Maxey has resumed on-court work and will be re-evaluated early next week.

Paolo Banchero (torn right oblique) and Wendell Carter Jr. (left foot plantar fasciitis) were out for Orlando.

The Sixers will travel to Miami and play the Heat on Wednesday night. Here are observations on their loss to the Magic:

Embiid back on his game in first half  

On their first play, the Sixers got George the ball on an Iverson cut and immediately had their two available stars working together. George fed a rolling Embiid and the big man drew two free throws.

Embiid made more field goals in the first quarter than he had his entire season debut Tuesday vs. the Knicks. His self-assessment of “extremely rusty” no longer applied. The seven-time All-Star sunk a smooth fadeaway jumper to put the Sixers up 4-0.

Orlando double teamed Embiid on essentially every touch once he began his move. The Sixers’ spacing and cutting around him wasn’t great in the early going, but the team had success using Embiid at the elbow and top of the key. As is often the case, he looked threatening almost anywhere on the floor.

Embiid subbed out and Guerschon Yabusele checked in with 6:25 to go in the first quarter. (Andre Drummond eventually entered…

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Author : NBC Sports Philadelphia

Publish date : 2024-11-16 04:03:00

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