The Philadelphia 76ers pulled off a thrilling 118-116 win over the Dallas Mavericks on February 4, 2025, in a game filled with big plays, clutch moments, and standout performances. This matchup had everything—dominant scoring, a dramatic finish, and the return of a superstar.
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Philadelphia 76ers’ Key Performances
- Joel Embiid: After missing 15 games due to a knee injury, Embiid made his presence felt immediately. He put up a triple-double with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in 36 minutes. He was also the hero of the night, scoring the game-winning layup with just 22 seconds left. Talk about making a comeback in style!
- Tyrese Maxey: If Embiid was the anchor, Maxey was the engine. He dropped 33 points and 13 assists, leading the game in scoring and keeping the 76ers in the fight throughout the night.
- Guerschon Yabusele: Stepping up big time, Yabusele added 19 points, giving Philly the extra boost they needed to edge out the Mavericks.
Dallas Mavericks’ Standout Players
- Kyrie Irving: With Luka Dončić recently traded to the Lakers, Kyrie had to take charge—and he did. He exploded for 34 points, proving that he can still carry a team when needed.
- Max Christie: Making his Mavericks debut, Christie was red-hot from deep, scoring 15 points on 4-of-4 three-point shooting. Not bad for his first game in a new jersey!
- Naji Marshall: Another big contributor, Marshall put up 19 points and even tipped in a crucial shot to give Dallas a 116-115 lead with 1:26 left. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to seal the deal.
How the Game Played Out
The 76ers started hot, shooting a scorching 65.2% in the first quarter and taking an early 36-31 lead. But the Mavericks responded in the second quarter, heading into halftime up 65-58.
In the third quarter, Philly’s Maxey and Yabusele got going, each dropping 10 points, helping the 76ers take back control. The final quarter was a nail-biter, featuring multiple lead changes and intense moments.
With 1:26 left, Marshall’s tip-in gave Dallas a 116-115 lead. But when it mattered most, Embiid came through, scoring the game-winning layup with just 22 seconds to go.
Missing Pieces & What’s Next
Dallas played this game without their new star Anthony Davis, who was out with an abdominal injury. Also, their recent trade acquisition Caleb Martin didn’t suit up, which meant the team was still adjusting to its new lineup.
For the 76ers, the return of Embiid changes everything. If he stays healthy, Philly is a serious contender. Meanwhile, the Mavericks showed they can still compete, even without Luka, but will need more consistency to close out tough games.
Final Thoughts
This was an instant classic. The Mavericks fought hard, but Embiid’s return and Maxey’s leadership proved to be too much. With both teams making moves before the trade deadline, it'll be exciting to see how they develop heading into the second half of the season.
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