When the final buzzer sounded on Thursday night, the Dallas Mavericks had overtaken the Philadelphia 76ers and beaten them, 133-126.
It was a strong, wonderful primetime game for both teams although clearly the 76ers wished things had gone differently.
But there is no doubt that the team’s big three were playing their hearts out for every second.
The Sixers' stars had good games but couldn't keep up with the Mavericks in the end 👀
Joel Embiid
✅35 PTS (O 33.5)
✅8 REBS (U 11.5)Tyrese Maxey
✅29 PTS (O 19.5)
✅3 3PTS (O 2.5)James Harden
✅27 PTS (O 20.5)
✅13 ASTS (O 9.5) pic.twitter.com/XlWabtoAjE— ClutchPoints Betting (@CPBetting) March 3, 2023
Joel Embiid posted 35 points and 8 rebounds, while Tyrese Maxey was incredible with 29 points and 3 three-pointers.
Meanwhile, James Harden was wonderfully solid with 27 points and 13 assists.
Those are strong numbers from each player and it’s a bit concerning that the 76ers weren’t able to secure a win with such output from their biggest names.
Each of these players is having phenomenal seasons.
Embiid is averaging 33 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4 assists while Maxey has been producing 19.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.6.
Harden has come back to life in 2022-23 with 21.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and a league-high 10.6 assists per game.
As great as the team’s big three is, there are other players in Philadelphia doing great things, such as Tobias Harris, De’Anthony Melton, and others.
Powered by expert teamwork, the 76ers are firmly in third place in the East with a 40-22 record.
The 76ers weren’t able to beat the Mavericks on Thursday, partly because both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving were on fire and scoring more than 40 points each.
Embiid and his team will need to perfect their approach to the game in the weeks ahead because they cannot give up games when they are playing so well as a unit.
It is great to see the team’s leaders working together but it means nothing if it doesn’t result in a victory.
NEXT: Joel Embiid Shares His Belief In The 76ers
