76ers Torch Clippers Early, Ride Maxey & Barlow to Convincing Win
The Philadelphia 76ers came out swinging Monday night, and the Los Angeles Clippers never quite recovered. With James Harden sidelined for personal reasons and Paul George serving a 25-game suspension for violating the league’s anti-drug policy, both teams were missing stars. But it was Philly that found its rhythm early and never looked back, cruising to a 128-113 win behind a statement first quarter and a career night from Dominick Barlow.
Let’s start with that opening frame - a blistering 38-19 run that set the tone. The Sixers were locked in from the jump, moving the ball, knocking down shots, and applying pressure on both ends.
Tyrese Maxey led the charge, dropping 16 of his 29 points in the first quarter alone. He was electric - pulling up from deep, slicing through the defense, and making plays off the dribble.
Maxey finished with six assists, five boards, and three steals, shooting 9-of-18 from the floor, including a scorching 7-of-14 from beyond the arc. He also knocked down all four of his free throws and posted a +22 in 36 minutes.
This was a complete performance, the kind that reminds you just how much he's grown into a lead role.
But Maxey wasn’t the only one making noise. Dominick Barlow had himself a night - and then some.
The second-year forward came off the bench and delivered a career-high 26 points, but it was his relentless work on the glass that really stood out. Barlow grabbed 16 rebounds, including a staggering 10 offensive boards.
He was a constant presence around the rim, creating second-chance opportunities and punishing the Clippers for every missed box-out. Add in two assists and two steals, and you’ve got a breakout performance that Philly fans won’t soon forget.
Joel Embiid chipped in 24 points of his own, adding five rebounds, three assists, and a steal. He was a perfect 7-for-7 from the line and operated with his usual efficiency, anchoring the offense when needed and drawing attention that opened up looks for others. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 15 points, while Quentin Grimes contributed 14 points and four assists, rounding out a balanced offensive effort for the Sixers, who improved to 28-21 with the win.
On the other side, Kawhi Leonard did his best to keep the Clippers in it. The veteran forward poured in 29 points on 12-of-21 shooting, adding six rebounds and three assists. Leonard was steady and efficient, but the Clippers simply didn’t have the firepower to match Philly’s surge - especially after digging themselves such a deep early hole.
Jordan Miller was a bright spot for L.A., scoring 21 points on a near-perfect 9-of-10 shooting night. Kobe Sanders added 17, and John Collins chipped in 15 points and seven rebounds. Ivica Zubac finished with eight points and nine boards, but the Clippers struggled to control the glass - particularly on the defensive end, where Barlow’s hustle hurt them time and again.
The loss drops the Clippers to 23-26 and highlights some of the depth issues they’re facing without Harden in the lineup. Meanwhile, the Sixers continue to find ways to win, even with key players out. If Maxey and Barlow can keep producing at this level, and Embiid stays steady, Philly could be a tough out down the stretch.