3 biggest takeaways for Sixers following play-in win over Magic

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers handled their business on Wednesday as they knocked off the Orlando Magic 109-97 to advance to the playoffs for the first time since 2024. The Sixers had a miserable 2024-25 season as they were ravaged by injuries, but Philadelphia was able to get back at it with the win over the Magic. Tyrese Maxey had 31 points and six assists for Philadelphia, Kelly Oubre Jr.

had 19 points, and Paul George added 16, five rebounds, and five assists with two steals. VJ Edgecombe had 19 points and 11 rebounds while Andre Drummond chipped in with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks. Here are the three biggest takeaways following the win: Maxey takes over The Magic were hard-charging in the fourth quarter and had cut a double-digit deficit down to just one after Anthony Black drilled a 3-pointer with 7:56 left.

Maxey then ripped off seven straight points to put Philadelphia back up eight and the Magic never seriously challenged again. The 2-time All-Star ripped Orlando's collective heart out and allowed the Sixers to then cruise to a win from there. Things have been up and down for Maxey since he returned from a right finger tendon strain, but the one constant has been his work in the second half to lift Philadelphia on his shoulders.

"I think he's been doing a bit of that lately," said coach Nick Nurse. "As far as understanding, we need kind of his greatness at the right time. Not as meaningful game the other night, but we looked really bad in the first half as a team, and he just came out and just decided to spark the team, and then everybody kind of got in the flow.