The 76ers take their vengeance out on New Orleans

    The Pelicans hosted the 76ers and C.J. McCollum had a day, with 42 points and five assists. Zion Williamson also had 36 points. Joel Embiid dropped 37 points and eight rebounds, but it wasn't enough as the Pelicans won 127-116 on December 30th.

    It seems as if the 76ers wanted revenge, and whatever they wanted, they got it. The Pelicans were on the opposite end of the win this time. McCollum and Williamson both had 26 points, which isn't bad, but shrivels under Joel Embiid's monstrous 42 point, 11 rebound game. James Harden also had a 27 points and eight assists. Philly beat New Orleans at home by the score of 120-111, which isn't ridiculous, but a satisfying feeling, considering their most recent loss. 

   The next game against the Pacers was an epic game. The Pacers pushed overtime against a Sixers team missing Joel Embiid to foot soreness. James Harden paved the way scoring 26 points and dishing eight assists. Tyrese Maxey had his most points since returning from his injury, with 17, and Montrezl Harrell had a huge game with a clutch dunk and 19 points. The entire team played well in Embiid's absence. (clip). They won a thriller in overtime 129-126. 

Tyrese Maxey shot five three pointers against the Bulls

Photo Credit: The Philadelphia Inquirer

    But that's where it all ended. Without Embiid the team simply couldn't function. The Sixers could not handle Chicago. Zach LaVine rolled over a helpless team dropping 41 points. Nikola Vucevic boasted a triple double, hauling in 18 rebounds and dishing 10 assists. It wasn't a total loss Maxey had 26 points and six assists. He also shot five treys, on only seven attempts. His efforts weren't useless, but the Sixers were on the losing side of a 126-112 game. Harden also had 11 assists and Harris had 11 rebounds and 22 points.

    Tyrese Maxey is only getting better. Obviously an MLB player, regardless of skill, will not slug three home runs their first day back from injury. And you cannot expect a NFL player to throw four touchdowns and 400 yards their first game back. Although it happens, fans can't expect it. Maxey is still getting back into the swing of things, and it might be a couple games before he goes back to his ridiculous +30 points +7 triples self. 

    Joel Embiid is the breath of the Sixers. They can survive without him, but not for long. They are in an awesome position as of now, having won seven of their last ten games, and they, with Maxey back and Joel Embiid, are looking like a championship team. 

The above photo was taken from a Philadelphia Inquirer article. Photo taken by Yong Kim/Staff Photographer. Image used for commentary.