Harris and Maxey Combine for 67, Not Enough as Sixers Lose 3rd Straight Game

Tyrese Maxey had 35 and Tobias Harris had 32 but it wasn’t enough as the Sixers were handed their third straight loss by the Atlanta Hawks in OT 139-132.

Maxey was the MVP of the Sixers tonight adding 9 assists, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals to his 35-point night. Everyone seemed to contribute but crucial plays at the end of regulation gave the home team Hawks a spark to overcome the second-half deficit.

The Sixers’ supporting cast was very involved without Joel Embiid. The team was looking for their third win of the year without Embiid who has been out for some time due to knee swelling. Role players like Mo Bamba, Marcus Morris, and of course, Patrick Beverly showed their bench worth in this game and why our second unit is more equipped than any of the recent Sixer teams. I believe Coach Nick Nurse has established a layered culture among this group of players and will have what it takes in the spring to make a run.

A controversial play that happened tonight occurred on the Sixer’s last possession of regulation. Trae Young just missed one of his two free throws to keep the game tied and the Sixers had a chance to win it with roughly ten seconds to go. Maxey drove and was clearly struck by Young on the hand when he went to the basket but it was not called. Coach Nurse and Tyrese expressed their displeasure as the officials were getting complained about a lot in the game. It was then Maxey who fouled out in overtime with 1:44 to go which led to the Hawks to end the game on a 10-0 run. The Hawks pulled away without Maxey getting an opportunity to get a clutch bucket down the stretch.

The Hawks were led by Young, Jalen Johnson who had 25 points and 11 assists, and Dejountae Murray who went 5-7 from downtown and also scored 25 for the Hawks.

The Sixers’ next game is at home on Friday against the Sacramento Kings at 7:30 PM. They will look to snap a three-game skid.