76ers Overcome Slow Start to End Raptors’ Win Streak
Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points, Joel Embiid added 29, and Trendon Watford recorded his first career triple-double as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Toronto Raptors 130-120 on Saturday, ending Toronto's four-game winning streak.
Key Performances
- Trendon Watford posted 20 points, a career-best 17 rebounds, and 10 assists in his first start of the season, helping Philadelphia snap a two-game losing streak.
- Joel Embiid played a season-high 26 minutes and made 4-of-8 three-point attempts.
- Tyrese Maxey hit a crucial long jumper with 1:15 remaining to secure the Sixers’ lead at 127-118.
Raptors' Contributions
- RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley each scored 22 points.
- Brandon Ingram added 21 points, Scottie Barnes 18, Collin Murray-Boyles 12, and Sandro Mamukelashvili 10.
- Toronto briefly cut the deficit to 119-116 on Barrett’s three-pointer with 3:25 left.
Game Turning Points
After the Raptors started hot, making 10 of their first 12 three-point attempts, they cooled off significantly, hitting only 6 of 26 from beyond the arc afterward (23.1%). Embiid’s tip-in initiated a decisive 6-0 run, expanding the Sixers’ lead to 125-116 with under two minutes remaining.
"Embiid’s tip-in capped a 6-0 run and gave the Sixers a 125-116 lead with 1:55 remaining."
The Sixers’ ability to close strong secured the victory after a sluggish start.
Summary
The 76ers bounced back with balanced scoring and strong defense, led by Maxey, Embiid, and Watford, to stop the Raptors’ momentum and claim a vital win.
Author’s summary: The 76ers overcame an early deficit with standout performances, including Watford’s triple-double, to end the Raptors’ four-game winning streak 130-120.