The backcourt that won't quit
The Sixers beat the Mavericks 121-114, and this is the blueprint for how Philadelphia survives without their stars. Tyrese Maxey scored 38 points, but it wasn't just volume—it was the timing and the refusal to let Dallas breathe. VJ Edgecombe, the rookie, added 26 points with a scorching first quarter that set the tone. This isn't a one-man show anymore. This is a backcourt that can actually hurt you.
Let's start with Edgecombe. The kid launches a 16-2 run by himself in the opening quarter, hitting three straight threes including a two-plus-one and a three-plus-one. Then he's throwing down a breakaway dunk. He's doing rookie things but with the poise of a vet. By the time Maxey plants his third three of the night, the Sixers are up 12. That's what elite ball security looks like—two guys executing their jobs at full speed.
Maxey clutches it when it matters
Here's the thing about Tyrese Maxey that people still undervalue: when the game is tight and you need a bucket, he doesn't overthink it. Down six at halftime? He scores 10 straight. Dallas creeping back with Flagg playing aggressive and Klay Thompson hitting some shots? Maxey answers with back-to-back threes to get Philly back in front. The Mavericks mount their best run, go up six at 12 minutes left, and Maxey immediately responds with two buckets including another three to put the Sixers back on top 102-100.
The final dagger is an 11-0 run capped by—who else—Maxey's three from the wing. That's not luck. That's a guy who understands the moment and refuses to let his team lose. Even when Nick Nurse's lineup is held together with duct tape and hope, Maxey makes you trust it'll work.
Dominick Barlow is the X-factor nobody talks about
Dominick Barlow finished with 21 points on 9-of-13 shooting—his career high—and he did something equally important: he made Dallas uncomfortable defensively. First possession, he blocks Anthony Davis. Next play, he's flying down the court for a ferocious dunk in transition. That kind of activity sets a tone. He wasn't just scoring; he was making Dallas work.
The Sixers are missing their two best players and they're still finding ways to win because guys like Barlow step up. He's not a star. He's not going to carry you through the playoffs. But on nights when you need someone to be reliable and active and refuse to fold? That's him.
Dallas shot themselves out of the game
The Mavericks finished 3-for-17 from three. That's not a rhythm thing. That's a skills thing mixed with poor shot selection. Klay Thompson was 1-of-7 from deep—absolutely brutal for a guy who's supposed to be a spacer. To make matters worse, Thompson was clearly working through a knee issue and Anthony Davis wasn't fully healthy either. When your role players are compromised, your best players have to do everything. Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis put up 24 points each and it still wasn't enough.
Here's what kills you: Dallas had moments. They were competitive all night. They made runs. But they couldn't make shots when they needed them, and against a Sixers backcourt that was on fire, that's a death sentence. Philadelphia is proving they can compete without Embiid and George because their remaining guys refuse to quit. The Mavericks had the talent to keep up but couldn't finish plays. That's the difference between struggling and losing.