In Allen Iverson mode, Tyrese McKay (43 points) makes the Magic fold!

Still down (Jared McCain and Paul George injured; Joel Embiid spared), Philadelphia still keeps on picking up the wins! For his first big test of the season at home against Orlando on this night, the group united around the phenomenal Tyrese Maxey to keep the Floridians at bay until the end!

In “Iversonian” style, the leader of the Sixers poured in 43 points, and then the others followed, with VJ Edgecombe and Kelly Oubre Jr as perfect lieutenants (26 and 25 points), surpassing the efforts of the Bain-Wagner-Bankero trio (24, 22 and 32 points).

Philadelphia had a great success in the attack attacking with 12-4, and then two 3-pointers by VJ Edgecombe and Quentin Grimes to take the lead (33-24). Tyrese Maxey led the way in the second quarter with 17 points, including two 3-pointers in quick succession on Noah Penda and a foul floater that allowed his team to go up +12 (72-60) at the break.

Makei is doing his best

Everyone was waiting for the reaction of the Magic after the break, and the Sixers were ready. Paolo Banchero, however, struggled to warm up 11-2 with 2+1 and an authoritarian dunk (94-89). Anthony Black maintained the pressure with a miraculous three-pointer in the third quarter from his half, but Philadelphia did not give up even at the height of the storm (101-94).

The offensive led by Desmond Bain, Franz Wagner and Goga Bitadze brought the Magic back to -2, after another basket by Anthony Black forced Nick Nurse to end the game (115-113). The light finally came from Tyrese Maxey, who found Justin Edwards to push Orlando back six lengths (124-118) before scoring 8 straight points, including a 3-pointer as the finale (132-120).

Winners 136-124, the Sixers will try to continue their perfect start in Washington tonight, with Joel Embiid (and maybe Paul George). The next day, Orlando is expected in Detroit.

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Philadelphia, an incredible leader. Any good news is good news to embrace in Philly after the Sixers’ cataclysmic season. With three wins in three games, the latter is at the top of the Eastern Conference this morning (tied with Chicago), having already caught Boston and Orlando in their hunt. It’s good for morale!

Tirese McKay in “AI” mode. What if it was his year? The leader is already in two games with 40 points and more with a new match for the boss tonight. He walked on water in the second quarter and was able to finish strong to stave off the Magic’s lead down the stretch and finish with 43 points, 4 rebounds and 8 assists. Being compared to Allen Iverson is a real compliment, but Tyrese Maxey totally deserves it, in style and numbers!

Philly brings out the slap box. This is the sequence that summed up the state of mind with which Philadelphia started the meeting. The Magic are known for their toughness, but it was the Sixers who were the aggressors, like these 35 seconds when Orlando was blocked on three possessions in a row! Adem Bona set the tone with two counters on Desmond Bain, followed by Wendell Carter Jr. and Kelli Oubre Jr., still on Wendell Carter Jr. One of the themes of the night as Philly finished with 9 counters.

Noah Penda’s first points. A very encouraging first start for the Frenchman, who played just 7 minutes but scored his first NBA basket, with a 3-pointer from the corner on his only attempt of the night. Two rebounds and an assist are also responsible for number 93.

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