The Philadelphia 76ers will once again march their way into the NBA playoffs, as they successfully fended off the Orlando Magic in the SoFi Play-In Tournament, defending home court in a 109-97 victory on Thursday.
Still without the services of franchise star Joel Embiid, who underwent emergency surgery to treat appendicitis, the Sixers leaned on Tyrese Maxey, who dropped 31 points, 2 rebounds, and 6 assists en route to the win.
“We played hard as hell, everybody who stepped on the floor contributed tonight. I’m just so happy because a lot of guys haven’t been to the playoffs before,” Maxey said postgame.
Sixers Return to Playoffs
Prior to last year’s postseason absence after notching only 24 wins, the playoffs were no stranger to the Sixers, as the team went on a seven-year playoff streak dating back to the 2018 season.
Super rookie VJ Edgecombe notched a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds, while Kelly Oubre Jr. and Paul George added more offense by combining for 35 points.
With the seventh seed officially theirs, the Sixers will now take on an uphill climb as they are set to face the Boston Celtics—a team they have not beaten in the playoffs in over four decades.
Paolo Banchero Struggles but Magic Remain in Playoff Hunt
Despite the loss, Orlando is still in the fight to enter the playoffs, as they will get to play in one more knockout game on their home court to possibly clinch the eighth seed.
Desmond Bane paced the Magic in the loss with 34 points while shooting at a 62% clip. Meanwhile, star player Paolo Banchero struggled, notching only 18 points while shooting 7-for-22 from the field.
Orlando will host the ninth-seeded Charlotte Hornets on their home floor in a do-or-die matchup for a series against the top-seeded Detroit Pistons on Saturday.
