Sixers’ Star Trio Sparks Crucial Win; Celtics Down Two Starters; Maxey Speeds Up Return
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The Philadelphia 76ers finally saw their new core click on Saturday, when Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey combined for 81 points, 26 rebounds and nine three-pointers in a 119-105 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. The performance, viewed internally as a model for what the front office envisioned when assembling the group, also handed Philadelphia the season tiebreaker against Charlotte.
With the win, the Sixers moved within a half-game of Atlanta and Toronto for the last guaranteed playoff berth in the East. Philadelphia already owns tiebreakers against both Toronto and Orlando, advantages that could prove decisive as the standings tighten.
Celtics Rule Out Brown and White
Boston will be without two starters on Sunday against Charlotte. The club announced that Jaylen Brown is sidelined by left Achilles tendinitis, while Derrick White has been downgraded to out with a right knee contusion. Head coach Joe Mazzulla plans to start Jordan Walsh and Payton Pritchard alongside Sam Hauser, Jayson Tatum and Neemias Queta.
Maxey Returns Ahead of Schedule
Maxey was initially expected to miss three weeks with a finger tendon injury but rejoined the Sixers’ lineup sooner than projected. The guard credited an aggressive rehabilitation routine for the quick turnaround. “I’ve been working my tail off, and I want to be there for my team,” Maxey said after the win. According to ESPN, Philadelphia’s coaches stressed the game’s importance in the playoff race, prompting Maxey to press for an early return.
Bassey Settles In Quickly With Boston
Center Charles Bassey, acquired by Boston earlier this month, has logged only two appearances but already feels at ease with the organization. “When the coach says there’s optional stuff, everybody still shows up,” Bassey told CelticsBlog, praising the club’s work ethic. The big man added that playing for the Celtics’ Summer League squad accelerated his adjustment to new teammates and coaches.
Source: Hoops Rumors
