DALLAS, Jan 2 — The Philadelphia 76ers are officially starting the new year on a heater. Fresh off a heart-stopping overtime thriller in Memphis, the Sixers marched into the American Airlines Center on Thursday night and handed the struggling Dallas Mavericks a 123-108 defeat.
While the return of Anthony Davis to the Mavericks’ lineup grabbed the pre-game headlines, it was Philadelphia’s dynamic duo—and a rising rookie star—that controlled the narrative on the court. The win marks a significant turning point for the Sixers (18-14), who are finally seeing their MVP, Joel Embiid, string together consistent minutes.
The Process 2.0: Embiid’s Ramping Up
For the first time this season, Joel Embiid eclipsed the 25-minute mark in consecutive games, a critical milestone for the center after two seasons plagued by knee surgeries. Embiid logged 35 minutes, dropping 22 points on an efficient 9-of-18 shooting while adding six assists and four rebounds.
It wasn’t a vintage 50-point explosion, but it was exactly what Philadelphia needed: stability.
“I feel like I’m getting back to myself,” Embiid told reporters post-game. It’s a quiet warning shot to the rest of the Eastern Conference. With Tyrese Maxey operating at an All-NBA level, Embiid no longer needs to carry the entire offensive load every night—he just needs to be healthy.
Maxey and Edgecombe: The Present and Future
While Embiid anchored the middle, Tyrese Maxey torched the perimeter. The guard poured in a game-high 34 points, continuing his evolution into a legitimate No. 1 scoring option.
But the story of the Texas road trip might be rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe. Two nights after hitting a game-winner against the Grizzlies, the Baylor product felt right at home in Texas. Edgecombe erupted for 23 points, proving he’s more than just a high-energy prospect—he’s a closer.
Mavericks Woes Continue
For Dallas (12-23), the misery of the post-Luka era drags on. Anthony Davis, returning from a sore adductor, looked rusty, finishing with 13 points and eight rebounds. The chemistry between Davis and No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg remains a work in progress, with Flagg managing just 12 points on 5-of-15 shooting.
Despite a solid 19-point effort from former Maverick Quentin Grimes off the Sixers’ bench, the game highlighted the stark difference in trajectory between these two franchises. Philadelphia is gelling at the right time; Dallas is still searching for an identity.
What’s Next
The Sixers will look to cap off their road trip with a statement win as they travel to Madison Square Garden on Saturday to face the New York Knicks.
Key Takeaway: The Sixers are finding their rhythm with a healthy Embiid and a lethal Maxey-Edgecombe backcourt, signaling they are ready to contend in 2026.
