When the 76ers signed Paul George last offseason, they had visions of what happened on Tuesday night against the Bucks.
In that game, George led all scorers with a season-high 32 points, including a franchise-tying nine threes; Joel Embiid had 29 points and nine rebounds, and Tyrese Maxey added 22 points as the 76ers(25-21) defeated the Bucks(18-27) 139-122 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
The 76ers’ “Big 3” combined for 83 of the team’s 139 points, giving the NBA and its fanbase a glimpse of what this team could be if everybody is healthy.
In addition, the 76ers got a solid performance from second-year guard Jared McCain, who has struggled this season and had a couple of stints in the G League. Against the Bucks, McCain had 17 points off the bench, including five threes.
After the win, George made it clear that he believes the 76ers, who beat a banged-up Bucks team without Giannis Antetokounmpo, can compete with the best teams in the East, and he’s right, if they stay healthy, and that is a big if. Both Embiid and George have battled injuries over the years, especially Embiid, who, unfortunately, isnever completely healthy come playoff time.
With Maxey and rookie V.J. Edgecombe, the 76ers have an explosive backcourt and legit firepower off the bench with Quentin Grimes and McCain. Now, they need Embiid and George to consistently be available so this team can build some chemistry.
The East is wide open. The Pistons have the best record, but they are young. The Knicks and Celtics are good, but they’re vulnerable. The Cavs are starting to play better, but they have been inconsistent and injured all season long. This unpredictability makes the playoff race exciting, and it reminds fans that anything can happen if the 76ers stay healthy.
76ers continue their three-game homestand on Thursday night when they host the Sacramento Kings.
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