76ers Dominate Early, Cruise Past Clippers Despite Star Absences
The Philadelphia 76ers didn’t just survive without Paul George - they thrived. On a night when both teams were missing key stars, it was the Sixers who came out swinging, jumping to a 38-19 first-quarter lead and never looking back in a 128-113 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
James Harden missed the game for the Clippers due to personal reasons, while George sat out for Philadelphia as he continues to serve a 25-game suspension for violating the league’s anti-drug policy. But despite the absence of their marquee name, the Sixers found offensive rhythm early and leaned on a trio of standout performances to keep the Clippers at bay.
Maxey Sets the Tone Early
Tyrese Maxey wasted no time making his presence felt. The dynamic guard poured in 16 of his 29 points in the first quarter alone, setting the tone for a night where the Sixers dictated tempo and energy.
Maxey finished with a full stat line - 29 points, six assists, five rebounds, and three steals - shooting 9-of-18 from the field and a red-hot 7-of-14 from beyond the arc. He also knocked down all four of his free throws and posted a +22 plus-minus in 36 minutes of action.
This was one of those games where Maxey looked fully in command - confident, aggressive, and unafraid to take over when needed. With George out, the Sixers needed someone to step up. Maxey delivered.
Barlow’s Breakout Night
But the real surprise came from Dominick Barlow, who turned in a career performance that likely raised a few eyebrows around the league. The reserve forward exploded for 26 points and dominated the glass with 16 rebounds - including a staggering 10 offensive boards. He added two assists and two steals to cap off a night that showcased both hustle and efficiency.
Barlow’s energy was infectious. He outworked the Clippers on second-chance opportunities and gave the Sixers a physical presence that helped them control the interior despite missing one of their biggest stars.
Embiid Steady as Ever
Joel Embiid continued to be the anchor, quietly putting together another strong outing. The reigning MVP added 24 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a steal, all while going a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line. Embiid didn’t need to dominate the ball with Maxey and Barlow rolling, but his presence - especially in the halfcourt - kept the Clippers honest and opened up space for his teammates.
Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in 15 points, three boards, and two assists, while Quentin Grimes added 14 points and four assists off the bench, giving Philadelphia a well-rounded offensive effort.
Clippers Can’t Climb Out of the Hole
For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard did what he could to keep his team in it. Leonard dropped 29 points on an efficient 12-of-21 shooting night, adding six rebounds and three assists. He was aggressive in the midrange and looked comfortable creating his own shot, but the early deficit proved too steep.
Jordan Miller had an efficient night as well, scoring 21 points on 9-of-10 shooting. Kobe Sanders added 17 points, and John Collins contributed 15 points and seven rebounds. Ivica Zubac added eight points and nine boards, but the Clippers simply couldn’t match the Sixers’ energy or execution in the opening quarter - and that set the tone for the rest of the night.
What This Means Moving Forward
The win moves Philadelphia to 28-21 on the season, a solid mark considering the adversity they’ve faced with George’s suspension. If Maxey continues to play with this level of confidence and Barlow can sustain even a fraction of his impact from this game, the Sixers have a foundation to build on - even as they await George’s return.
For the Clippers, now 23-26, the absence of Harden was clearly felt. While Leonard continues to be a steady force, L.A. needs more consistency - especially defensively - if they want to stay in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race.
This one was about who came out ready to play, and the Sixers left no doubt. From Maxey’s early scoring burst to Barlow’s relentless effort on the boards, Philadelphia showed they can win ugly, win short-handed, and win with grit. That’s a message the rest of the East should hear loud and clear.