Here are four key takeaways from the Philadelphia 76ers' win over the Sacramento Kings.
The Philadelphia 76ers (26-21) narrowly took down the Sacramento Kings (12-37) on Thursday night 113-111.
Philadelphia will remain at home for Saturday's game against Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy III and the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Kings head to Boston for a Friday night clash with the Celtics.
Here's a look at four takeaways from the 76ers' win over the Kings:
1. Tyrese Maxey Finally Broke Out Of His Slump
After a rough stretch of games for the two-time All-Star, Maxey delivered big time against the Kings. He finished the night with 40 points, eight assists, four rebounds, and a steal on 66.7% shooting and 4 of 9 shooting from three-point range. These types of performances are the reason the 25-year-old was selected as an All-Star starter.
On top of his huge night statistically, Maxey delivered the game-winning layup with 1.3 seconds to go.
2. Joel Embiid Continues To Trend Upward
Embiid is having no trouble silencing those who have doubted him this season. He recorded 37 points, eight assists, five rebounds, a steal, and a block on 61.9% shooting in the win over the Kings. This marks his sixth 30+ point performance in January, and has yet to tally less than 20 this month.
If the Sixers are going to find success in the postseason, Embiid performing at this level while remaining healthy is the key.
3. DeMar DeRozan, Dennis Schroder Kept Things Interesting
Despite the Kings being without Russell Westbrook, Malik Monk, and Keegan Murray, Philadelphia simply could not pull away. Star forward DeMar DeRozan concluded with 25 points, eight assists, and four rebounds on 9 of 15 shooting, while guard Dennis Schroder put up 27 points and four rebounds on 56.3% shooting.
These two were the main reason the game came down to the final seconds of the regulation.
4. The 76ers Need More From Their Other Starters
The Sixers should consider themselves lucky they were facing the No. 14 seed in the Western Conference with the way Paul George, V.J. Edgecombe, and Kelly Oubre Jr. performed.
George had 15 points on 46.7% shooting, while Edgecombe and Oubre combined for just nine points and eight rebounds on 3 of 10 shooting. For the 76ers to seriously compete against contenders in the Eastern Conference, Embiid and Maxey cannot be forced to carry the team like this on a nightly basis.
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