Philadelphia’s offense exploded in one of the season’s most impressive performances.
The Philadelphia 76ers delivered one of their most explosive performances of the season Monday night in Toronto. Tyrese Maxey’s 33 points led the charge as the Sixers torched the Raptors with an 80-point first half en route to a convincing victory.
This dominant showing came just one day after an overtime loss to the same team. The bounce-back win showcased what Philadelphia can accomplish when their Big Three are healthy and firing on all cylinders.
Let’s break down this remarkable performance.
Maxey Catches Fire in Opening Quarter
The All-Star guard set the tone early with an offensive clinic.
Maxey erupted for 18 points in the first quarter alone. He connected on six of seven field goal attempts while draining three of four shots from beyond the arc. His scoring barrage helped Philadelphia build a commanding 45-28 lead after just 12 minutes of play.
The guard showcased his complete offensive arsenal throughout the opening period. He attacked the rim with speed, knocked down mid-range jumpers, and launched threes from well beyond the arc. His versatility kept Toronto’s defense constantly guessing and unable to establish any rhythm.
Philadelphia’s Shooting Reaches Historic Levels
The Sixers posted one of the most efficient halves in recent memory.
Philadelphia shot 73 percent from the field in the opening half, making 27 of 37 attempts. They connected on 13 of 20 three-pointers and went a perfect 13 for 13 from the free throw line. The 80 first-half points represented the most allowed by Toronto this season.
The offensive explosion came at the perfect time for the Sixers. After struggling with their shooting in recent games, including Sunday’s overtime loss, Philadelphia needed a performance like this. Their precision from every area of the court left the Raptors with no answers defensively.
The Big Three Dominate Together
Joel Embiid and Paul George returned from injury to join Maxey in the destruction.
Embiid finished with 27 points and eight rebounds while George added 15 points in his return. The star trio combined for 37 of Philadelphia’s 45 first-quarter points, overwhelming Toronto from the opening tip. Their presence opened up the floor for everyone else on the roster.
Having all three stars healthy made a massive difference compared to Sunday’s game. Embiid sat out with knee and groin soreness while George dealt with knee issues just 24 hours earlier. Their return immediately elevated Philadelphia’s offensive ceiling and defensive intensity throughout the contest.
Rookie VJ Edgecombe Makes Crucial Impact
The first-year player bounced back from a rough Sunday performance.
Edgecombe scored 15 points on five of seven shots from the field. He knocked down five of six three-point attempts and dished out eight assists in an all-around stellar performance. His confidence from beyond the arc proved vital in maintaining Philadelphia’s offensive rhythm throughout the game.
The rookie’s ability to handle ball-screen responsibilities freed up Maxey for easier looks. Edgecombe showed maturity beyond his years, running pick-and-roll actions with Embiid while keeping Toronto’s defense scrambled. His performance demonstrated why Philadelphia values his long-term potential within their rotation moving forward.
Second Half Sees Philadelphia Cruise
The Sixers built such a massive lead that the outcome was never in doubt.
Philadelphia’s advantage swelled to 33 points in the third quarter after an Edgecombe three-pointer. The lead stood at 80-51 at halftime, effectively ending any competitive drama before the second half even began. Toronto managed a brief run but never threatened to make things interesting.
The Sixers controlled the tempo and executed their game plan throughout the final two quarters. They maintained their composure even as Toronto tried various defensive adjustments and lineup changes. Philadelphia’s professionalism in protecting their lead showed the team’s growing maturity and championship aspirations.
Maxey Continues Elite Scoring Pace
The point guard is averaging 30.9 points per game through 36 games this season.
Maxey ranks third in the NBA in scoring and leads the entire Eastern Conference. His 33-point performance against Toronto marked his 18th game reaching the 30-point threshold this season. The consistency of his scoring has been remarkable throughout the campaign.
If Maxey maintains this pace, Philadelphia will have their fourth 30-point scorer in five seasons. Embiid accomplished the feat three consecutive years while winning two scoring titles. The guard’s elite production has kept the Sixers competitive even during stretches when Embiid and George have missed time.
Kyle Lowry Receives Emotional Tribute
The Raptors legend checked in late to a standing ovation from Toronto fans.
Lowry entered the game with 1:57 remaining to thunderous cheers from the Scotiabank Arena crowd. The six-time All-Star played a crucial role in Toronto’s 2019 championship run. He missed all three shots he attempted, but the moment transcended the statistics on the scoreboard.
The 39-year-old guard soaked in the appreciation from fans who still adore him. Lowry held the ball as time expired and raised his arm to acknowledge the love one final time. The touching scene reminded everyone of his lasting impact on the Raptors franchise and the city of Toronto.
Toronto Struggles from Three-Point Range
The Raptors’ perimeter shooting woes continued for a second straight game.
Toronto shot just 16.2 percent from three-point range, making only six of 37 attempts. This dismal performance followed their 15.6 percent showing from beyond the arc in Sunday’s overtime win. The back-to-back shooting struggles highlighted Toronto’s offensive limitations without better floor spacing.
Despite the victory on Sunday, Toronto’s three-point shooting has become a serious concern. The Raptors were also missing key players including RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl due to injuries. Their depleted roster struggled to generate quality looks against Philadelphia’s length and defensive pressure throughout Monday’s contest.
TL;DR
- Tyrese Maxey scored 33 points to lead the Sixers past the Raptors 115-102.
- Philadelphia’s 80-point first half set a season high for points allowed by Toronto.
- The Sixers shot 73 percent from the field in the opening half.
- Maxey is averaging 30.9 points per game through 36 games this season.
- Joel Embiid and Paul George returned from injury to contribute 27 and 15 points, respectively.
- VJ Edgecombe bounced back with 15 points and eight assists.
- Toronto shot just 16.2 percent from three-point range in the loss.
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- How NBA rookies are redefining modern scoring trends
- Draft night surprises that shifted the NBA landscape
- Most Dominant Dynasties in NBA History
This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
