The Kings were dethroned

     To finish up their road trip, the 76ers traveled to Sacramento, but without Joel Embiid or James Harden in the lineup. That probably meant that they would struggle. After all, Embiid was averaging 33.6 points per game, and Harden was averaging 11.2 points per game. These players seemed necessary for Philly to complete their road trip 5-0. Or not. 

    Remember when Tyrese Maxey had a foot injury? Well definitely NOT anymore! Tyrese Maxey put together a great game, dropping 32 points and had six assists. In fact, six 76ers had over 10 points, and six or more rebounds or assists. George Niang, Tobias Harris, and Montrezl Harrell each added 17 points to the score, Shake Milton added 15, and De'Anthony Melton added 14. Even Danuel House shot two three pointers in his five minutes of play. However, it was a close game, as Harrison Barnes of Sacramento drained six threes. The 76ers came back and beat the Kings 129-127 to complete their road trip with a 5-0 record.

Tyrese Maxey silenced the Kings 

    Photo Credit: Yardbarker

      Then Ben Simmons came to the Wells Fargo Center, and the 76ers played physical basketball against Philly's least favorite player. Ben Simmons couldn't step onto the court without Sixers' fans booing the life out of him. Kyrie Irving was able to reach 30 points, and he also added 10 assists, but it was Seth Curry, the former 76er, who had the biggest game. He splashed seven three pointers, on only 10 attempts. He finished with 32 points. 

    It didn't really matter. Again, six 76ers went into the double digits. Joel Embiid was back, and had 26 points and hauled in 10 boards. Tyrese Maxey dropped six threes on the Nets and led Philly with 27 points. It was Matisse Thybulle who was a huge surprise. He shot two three pointers, and finished with 10 points. He has mastered the idea of catching opponents from behind, and it paid off, as he had three steals, and constantly applied pressure. 

    Doc Rivers has placed Maxey on the bench to start games, and Maxey is flourishing. He is still playing the same amount of time, but Doc Rivers's multiple lineups are really working, and keeping opposing teams guessing. Maxey coming off the bench isn't really much of an issue, because De'Anthony Melton is able to hold down the guard position, and the Harden-Embiid combo is amazing. If it were up to me, I would start Thybulle instead of P.J. Tucker, because while Thybulle has been able to overcome his offensive weakness, Tucker really hasn't. But it isn't up to me, and the Sixers have already rocketed to second in the conference. Who knows how far they'll go?

The above photo was taken from a Yardbarker article. Photo taken by Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sport. Image used for commentary.