Tyrese Maxey scored 43 points and rookie VJ Edgecombe added 26 as the Philadelphia 76ers stayed perfect with a 136-124 victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
The Sixers improved to 3-0 despite the absence of Joel Embiid, who sat out to rest his surgically repaired left knee. The 2023 MVP had been on a 20-minute restriction through the first two games and missed his first contest of the season.
Philadelphia’s offense didn’t slow down without its star center. Maxey, who entered averaging 37.0 points per game, took command late in the fourth quarter, scoring eight straight points to turn a close game into a decisive double-digit lead. His 15-for-32 shooting performance included four 3-pointers and nine free throws in 10 attempts.
Edgecombe, the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, continued his impressive start with 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting, marking his third straight game with at least 20 points. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 25 points and 10 rebounds, helping the Sixers push past the Magic in transition.
Philadelphia shot 49.5 percent from the field and 42.4 percent from deep, finishing with 25 assists on 48 made baskets. The Sixers’ bench contributed 31 points, with Quentin Grimes and Hunter Sallis combining for 22.
Andre Drummond grabbed six rebounds, becoming the 32nd player in NBA history to surpass 11,000 career boards. His presence in limited minutes helped the Sixers maintain control of the glass against a strong Orlando frontcourt.
Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 32 points and seven rebounds, while Desmond Bane scored 24 and Franz Wagner added 22. Orlando shot 54.9 percent overall but struggled to contain Philadelphia’s perimeter scoring and gave up 14 made threes.
Anthony Black provided a highlight for the Magic, banking in a three-quarter-court shot at the third-quarter buzzer to cut the deficit to 101-94. However, Philadelphia responded with a 12-2 run early in the fourth to reclaim momentum.
The loss was Orlando’s third straight, dropping them to 1-3 as they began a five-game road trip.
Philadelphia will travel to Washington to face the Wizards on Tuesday, while Orlando continues its trip Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons.
