Sixers Survive Scare Against Pacers Behind Maxey’s Defensive Clinic and Key Role Player Contributions
PHILADELPHIA - It wasn’t exactly smooth sailing for the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday night, but they got the job done. Hosting the Indiana Pacers - a team sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings - the Sixers found themselves down by 10 in the second quarter before rallying to secure a 113-104 win at home.
It wasn’t always pretty, but a win is a win. And this one came thanks to a mix of star power, defensive grit, and some timely contributions from the supporting cast.
Let’s break down the three biggest takeaways from the Sixers’ bounce-back effort.
Tyrese Maxey’s Defensive Masterclass
We’ve seen Tyrese Maxey light up the scoreboard plenty of times, but Monday night, he made his presence felt on the other end of the floor - and then some.
Maxey finished with 29 points and eight assists, but what really stood out was his career-high eight steals. And if you watched the game, you know that number could’ve been even higher. He was everywhere - jumping passing lanes, reading the Pacers' offense like a book, and turning defense into instant offense.
This wasn’t just a stat-padding night. Maxey’s defensive disruption helped swing the momentum when the Sixers desperately needed it. With the half-court offense struggling to find rhythm, those live-ball turnovers turned into transition opportunities - and Maxey was often the one starting or finishing the break.
Head coach Nick Nurse noted the work Maxey has been putting in behind the scenes to improve his anticipation and defensive reads.
“He had eight [steals]. He almost had another five, I thought,” Nurse said.
“They’re important because a lot of them lead to some layups at the other end, too. Just disruptive and really making some good reads.”
It’s one thing to score 29. It’s another to be a game-changer on both ends. Maxey did both.
Kelly Oubre Jr. Brings the Juice
With the offense sputtering in the half-court, the Sixers needed someone to inject some energy - and Kelly Oubre Jr. delivered.
Oubre poured in 18 points and dished out five assists, but it was the way he attacked the rim that gave Philly life. His fearless, downhill drives sliced through Indiana’s defense and helped generate much-needed offense when things got stagnant.
That herky-jerky style of his? It worked to perfection, especially against a Pacers team that struggled to contain him off the dribble.
“He got downhill about two or three times to start the game,” Nurse said. “I think that’s always a good sign for him.
I think it was his best overall game. Forget the overall scoring - even though it’s always needed and nice - but it felt like he just looked a lot more comfortable.”
Oubre’s ability to create off the bounce, finish through contact, and make plays for others gave the Sixers a different look offensively - one they sorely needed in this one.
Walker and Barlow Step Up in the Margins
Games like this are often won in the margins, and that’s where Jabari Walker and Dominick Barlow made their mark.
Walker came alive in the second half, tallying five points, six rebounds, and three steals after the break. He even knocked down a clutch three in the fourth quarter that helped fuel the Sixers’ final push. His energy and hustle were contagious - the kind of effort that doesn’t always show up in the box score but makes a real impact.
Barlow, meanwhile, added 11 points, seven boards, and two steals of his own. He was active on both ends, crashing the glass and making the most of his minutes. Together, the two-way duo helped the Sixers force 24 turnovers - a major factor in flipping the game’s momentum.
“They’ve been great,” Maxey said postgame. “They add a different dimension that we hadn’t had in a while… Rebounding, man. Jabari rebounds like he’s a monster and Dom is, too.”
It’s not every night that your two-way players help close out a win, but that’s exactly what happened here. Walker and Barlow brought toughness, versatility, and effort - and the Sixers needed every bit of it.
Final Word
The Sixers didn’t dominate wire-to-wire, but they found a way to win - and that matters. Maxey’s defensive brilliance, Oubre’s spark, and the gritty play from Walker and Barlow all played key roles in avoiding what would’ve been a disappointing loss.
It wasn’t a statement win, but it was a reminder that this team has depth, resilience, and players ready to step up when needed. And with Embiid doing his usual 30-9-4 thing, the Sixers continue to show they’re more than just a one-man show.