Tyrese Maxey led the charge with a 32-point performance as the Philadelphia 76ers staged a comeback to secure a 111-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night. Maxey’s heroics were crucial in the absence of Joel Embiid, who was ejected from the game following an altercation with referee Jenna Schroeder late in the second quarter.
Embiid was dismissed after receiving two technical fouls from Schroeder, the first for disputing a call and the second resulting in an ejection. The circumstances of the interaction between Embiid and Schroeder were not definitively captured by replays.
Victor Wembanyama shone for the Spurs with an impressive stat line of 26 points, nine rebounds, and eight blocks. Maxey, on the other hand, showcased his all-around game with 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Paul George chipped in with 19 points for the Sixers.
In a closely contested final quarter, San Antonio briefly took the lead at 103-102 on a pivotal jumper by Chris Paul. However, it was Maxey who rose to the occasion for Philadelphia, making a crucial steal, converting a left-handed dunk, and sinking a clutch 3-pointer to swing the momentum in the Sixers’ favor.
The ejection of Andre Drummond for an initial foul on Wembanyama added another layer of drama to the game, but after a video review, the officials rescinded the decision.
Looking ahead, both teams are set to feature in Christmas Day matchups, with the Spurs taking on the Knicks and the 76ers traveling to face the Celtics.
