76ers Outlast Doncic, Mavericks in Thrilling 4th Quarter Finish
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
The 76ers outlasted the Dallas Mavericks in a highly entertaining final 12 minutes at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Their 120-116 victory over the Mavericks was a surprising one and it is Philadelphia’s 2nd straight win and 35th of the season.
Philadelphia is now tied with the New York Knicks for the 4 seed in the East and is a New York loss or Sixers win from holding the 4th seed for themselves.
Despite Luka Doncic‘s unbelievable 38 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists performance along with Kyrie Irving‘s 28 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, Tobias Harris and the Sixers were able to hold on to their 3rd quarter lead and finish in the win column. Harris put up 28 points and has been excellent recently, as this is his 2nd straight game with at least 28.
Tyrese Maxey also had a decent game, but it is more important that he is healthy. Earlier in the game, Maxey went down after Delco native Derrick Jones Jr. inadvertently kneed him in the back of the head. Maxey returned in the 4th quarter after being evaluated for a concussion.
Doncic and the Mavericks outscored Philadelphia 40-30 in the 4th, really displaying the lack of defense without Joel Embiid. While the scoring was excellent, the defense really needs work and Philly needs to figure out how to make that happen.
The Sixers look to extend their winning streak to 3 games on Tuesday in Brooklyn, where Philadelphia takes on the 24-36, 11th-seeded Nets. It would be a massive confidence booster if the 76ers were to take this game.
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