The Associated Press’ Aaron Bracy
The city of Philadelphia The Philadelphia 76ers defeated Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs 111-106 on Monday night after Tyrese Maxey scored 32 points and made two clutch plays in the closing minute. This came after Joel Embiid was dismissed.
With 2:59 remaining in the second quarter, referee Jenna Schroeder threw out Embiid. After arguing with Schroeder, the seven-time All-Star was given a technical for the first time. Before any more game time had passed, Schroeder gave him another technical and ejected him. Although Embiid was near to Schroeder, replays did not show whether he spoke with the official.
Wembanyama finished with eight blocks, nine rebounds, and 26 points.
Paul George scored 19 points for Philadelphia, and Maxey added 10 rebounds and eight assists.
On Monday, December 23, 2024, in Philadelphia, Keldon Johnson of the San Antonio Spurs, on the right, attempts a dunk against Andre Drummond of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of an NBA basketball game. (Photo by Matt Slocum/AP)
With 1:20 remaining, Chris Paul’s baseline jumper gave San Antonio a 103-102 lead.
With 59 seconds remaining, Maxey took control by snatching the ball, scoring a left-handed dunk, and converting the three-point play when Julian Champagnie fouled him. This put Philadelphia ahead 104-103.
Then, with 29 seconds left, he drained a 3-pointer from the top of the key.
Takeaways
76ers: With the Big Three in the lineup, Nurse was eager to see what the 76ers could be before the game. He’ll have to wait till another day, unfortunately.
Spurs: Wembanyama shot 9 of 19, including 6 of 13 from 3-point range, and did not let the crowds that came to see the game against Embiid down.
During the second half of an NBA basketball game on Monday, December 23, 2024, in Philadelphia, Victor Wembanyama, center for the San Antonio Spurs, attempts to get a jumper past Kyle Lowry and KJ Martin, left, of the Philadelphia 76ers. (Photo by Matt Slocum/AP)
Key moment
Schroeder dismissed Andre Drummond of Philadelphia for what seemed to be a foul on Wembanyama with 8:13 remaining in the period. However, the officials reversed the ejection after reviewing the footage.
Key stat
Together, Maxey, George, and Embiid have started five games. The score for the 76ers is 3-2.
Up next
On Christmas, both teams will be playing. The 76ers are at Boston, and the Spurs are at the Knicks.
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