The Makey-Embiid duo is paying for the Pacers

The games between Philadelphia and Indiana are definitely contested this season! Already five weeks ago, the Sixers had to work with Joel Embiid scoring 39 points to defeat Rick Carlisle’s men. For their reunion last night, still at Xfinity Mobile Arena, the meeting was intense again! Above all, we still had to wait until the end of the match to see Philip win, carried by the shocking duo of McKay-Embiid.

After a balanced first act, during which Philadelphia was put into orbit by its titular leader All-Star Tyrese Maxey (33-30), it was really Indiana who made the first offensive. The Pacers cruised to an 18-4 victory fueled by Quenton Jackson’s 3-pointers, Andrew Nembhardt’s great shooting and the strength of the interior tandem of Siakam-Bradley (41-50). Suffice it to say the Sixers didn’t appreciate it, first going back to -5 at the break thanks to a Mackay-Edgecombe back-to-back effort (50-55).

Indiana tried everything to try to delay the deadline after returning from the locker room, relying on threes by Jay Huff and Andrew Nembhard to stay in the lead (57-61), until a good pass by Joel Embiid, followed by a huge layup by VJ Edgecombe on Tony Bradley, changed the balance of power (71-68). The Pacers managed to stay alert until the beginning of the fourth quarter, returning to the lead one last time after a three-pointer from the corner, signed by Pascal Siakam (86-88), before falling.

Philly responded immediately with an 18-3 that left no room for doubt, relying on the outstanding Tyrese Maxey (14 points in the last act), with the help of triples by Joel Embiid and Jabari Walker to bring the score to 107-91 and seal the fate of the match (113-104).

WHAT TO REMEMBER

Quand VJ Edgecombe atomizes Tony Bradley. The Sixers rookie has struck again! The Bahamian definitely has fire in his calves and he demonstrates it in almost every flight match, each one more impressive than the last. He distinguished himself again last night at the end of the third quarter, when the two teams were in spasms, by nailing a huge dunk over the head of poor Tony Bradley, who was sanctioned with a bonus foul. The action of the match to be watched again without moderation, from all angles.

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When VJ Edgecombe catches Tony Bradley on this dunk.pic.twitter.com/lzte3cp3p8

— Basketball USA (@basketusa) January 20, 2026

Stars in his eyes for Tyrese McKay. The leader celebrated his first selection in the top five of the All-Star Game with a great game. In addition to his offensive production, still impressive, the leader stood out last night by setting a new personal best for interceptions in a match with 8 steals! Enough to help his team overcome an extremely tough Indiana team.

Pascal’s Generosity by Pascal Ciama. Two matches he led like hell against his “former compatriot” Cameroonian Joel Embiid and two matches he left Pennsylvania with a loss. The inside of the Pacers don’t hold grudges, and they even showed great generosity last night by making 0/2 free throws early in the third quarter to allow the crowd at Xfinity Mobile Arena to take advantage of a free serving of fried chicken, as tradition dictates!

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How to read statistics? Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive jump; T = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = point difference when the player is on the court; Points = Points; Rating: player rating calculated based on positive actions – negative actions.