Embiid Dominates, Sixers Handle Pelicans Amid Paul George Suspension
The Philadelphia 76ers stepped onto the court Saturday night with a cloud hanging overhead. News broke earlier in the day that Paul George would begin serving a 25-game suspension, starting immediately. That’s the kind of development that can shake a team’s rhythm-unless you’ve got Joel Embiid in your corner.
And Embiid? He reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most dominant forces in the league.
The reigning MVP dropped 40 points, pulled down 11 rebounds, and dished out four assists in a 124-114 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. It was a performance that felt effortless at times, as Embiid toyed with the Pelicans’ frontcourt.
Whether it was Derik Queen, Yves Missi, or Karlo Matkovic trying their luck, none had an answer. Embiid got to his spots, used his soft touch in the midrange, and lived at the free-throw line.
When New Orleans threatened to make it interesting in the fourth, Embiid responded with pressure buckets to keep Philly in control.
The Sixers have now won three straight, and with George sidelined, these kinds of wins-anchored by Embiid and supported by a balanced cast-are going to be crucial.
Let’s break down the individual performances from Saturday’s win:
Tyrese Maxey: B+
Maxey didn’t need to carry the scoring load, and that’s a good thing. With Embiid and Oubre cooking, Maxey settled into more of a facilitator role.
He knocked down some timely threes early to help set the tone and later turned it up in the third quarter when the Pelicans began to surge. His eight assists and five rebounds rounded out a well-balanced night.
When the Sixers get this version of Maxey-efficient, engaged, and unforced-it makes life a whole lot easier.
VJ Edgecombe: B
With Paul George out, the Sixers needed someone to step into that offensive void. Edgecombe didn’t shy away from the moment.
The rookie had 15 points and five assists, showing off his versatility. He attacked the rim with confidence and hit a three off movement, flashing the kind of offensive instincts that will only get sharper with more reps.
Going forward, he might need a few more touches, but this was a solid, two-way effort from the young guard.
Kelly Oubre Jr.: A-
Oubre was one of the biggest beneficiaries of George’s absence. He slid into a larger offensive role and made the most of it.
He hit a corner three early, then added a couple more from deep as the game wore on. His aggressiveness with the ball kept the Pelicans on their heels, and he brought energy on the defensive end, too.
With George sidelined, Oubre’s ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions becomes even more valuable.
Dominick Barlow: B
Back in the starting lineup, Barlow played with purpose. He moved well without the ball, found soft spots in the defense, and gave the Sixers some quality minutes on both ends. His activity level was noticeable-whether it was crashing the glass or rotating defensively, Barlow made sure his presence was felt.
Joel Embiid: A
This was Embiid at his best-efficient, dominant, and in total control. He scored from all three levels, got his teammates involved, and dictated the tempo.
The Pelicans threw everything they had at him, and it didn’t matter. When Embiid is playing like this, the Sixers can weather just about any storm-even a 25-game suspension to a star teammate.
Jared McCain: A
McCain gave the Sixers exactly what they needed off the bench: shooting, confidence, and energy. He hit a step-back three early, then followed it up with more long-range bombs, including a couple from the corners.
He finished with 12 points, all from deep, and each one felt like a momentum swing. Nights like this will keep him in the rotation-and maybe even earn him a bigger role.
Trendon Watford: B-
Watford brought hustle and physicality off the bench. He pulled down some key rebounds, especially when it looked like New Orleans might start winning the battle on the boards.
He knocked down a three, missed a couple of close-range looks, but overall gave the second unit a nice lift. His length and effort were noticeable.
Quentin Grimes: C
Back from an ankle injury, Grimes had a quiet night on the stat sheet. He missed a three but had a strong drive for a bucket and helped out on the glass. Defensively, he was solid, and while he didn’t make a big impact offensively, his minutes weren’t wasted.
Adem Bona: C+
Bona’s first stint was rocky, but he bounced back after halftime. He protected the rim, battled on the boards, and played with his usual high motor. He’s still finding his rhythm, but the tools are clearly there, and he found ways to contribute in limited minutes.
Jabari Walker: Incomplete
Walker didn’t log enough minutes for a full evaluation, but he made the most of his time with some aggressive rebounding. Given the Sixers’ recent issues on the glass, his energy in that department was a welcome sight.
Final Thoughts
This was a professional win from a team that could’ve easily been distracted. Instead, the Sixers leaned on their MVP, got meaningful contributions up and down the roster, and kept the good vibes rolling at home. With Paul George out for the foreseeable future, the formula is clear: ride Embiid, get timely scoring from Maxey and Oubre, and let the young guys grow into their roles.
So far, so good.