Embiid Dominates As 76ers Snap Pelicans Streak In Philadelphia

The Philadelphia 76ers finally snapped a four-game losing streak against the New Orleans Pelicans, pulling away late for a 124-114 victory at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Saturday night. In a matchup buzzing with anticipation—not only because it was the first of two meetings between these squads this NBA season, but also as the 76ers honored their 2001 NBA Finals team—the home crowd got a show worth remembering. The win, which lifts Philadelphia to a 27-21 record and solidifies their sixth-place standing in the Eastern Conference, was anything but routine.

Coming into this game, the Pelicans looked like a team on the rise. Despite a tough 13-37 record and sitting 14th in the Western Conference, New Orleans had won three of their last four and was riding high after toppling the Memphis Grizzlies just a night before. The Sixers, meanwhile, were adjusting to life without Paul George, who is serving a 25-game suspension. Still, they had momentum of their own, having notched back-to-back wins against the Bucks and Kings. Oddsmakers favored Philadelphia by 6.5 points, but the Pelicans' recent form and their history against the Sixers suggested a closer contest.

The opening quarter saw the Pelicans come out strong, leading 33-31 after twelve minutes. Saddiq Bey, who has quickly become a stabilizing force for New Orleans since his arrival, was electric. Bey poured in 34 points, including a remarkable nine-point run in the third quarter that kept his team in striking distance. "He’s just a pro on both sides of the ball," Pelicans interim coach James Borrego said before the game. "He’s been a real settler for us. When we’ve gone dry offensively, he’s someone we can throw the ball to and I know something good is going to happen." Bey’s leadership and scoring proved crucial as the Pelicans tried to claw back from a 15-point deficit.

But the second quarter belonged to the Sixers. Philadelphia outscored New Orleans 36-21 in the frame, building a 67-54 lead at halftime. Joel Embiid, the league’s 2022-23 MVP, was dominant from the jump. He piled up 23 points and eight rebounds by halftime, finishing with a monstrous 40 points and 11 rebounds. Embiid’s performance was especially significant—he hadn’t played in any of the Pelicans’ previous four wins over Philadelphia, and his presence made all the difference on Saturday.

Tyrese Maxey, recently named an All-Star starter, orchestrated the offense with poise. While Maxey finished with 18 points—well below his season average of 29.4—he made his presence felt in the clutch. With the game hanging in the balance, both Embiid and Maxey drained three-pointers in the final 1:18 to seal the win for the Sixers. Maxey’s ability to deliver when it mattered most underscored why he’s become the centerpiece of Philadelphia’s attack, especially in George’s absence.

The Pelicans, to their credit, refused to go quietly. They were playing the second half of a back-to-back, but showed plenty of fight. Jose Alvarado’s three-pointer with 6:30 left gave New Orleans its first lead since the second quarter, sending a ripple of anxiety through the Philadelphia faithful. Trey Murphy III, who had struggled with his shot in recent outings, bounced back with 19 points and eight rebounds. Saddiq Bey’s scoring, Murphy’s versatility, and Alvarado’s timely shooting kept the Pelicans in the hunt deep into the fourth quarter.

Yet, New Orleans just couldn’t find enough offense to overcome the Sixers’ late-game execution. Zion Williamson, the Pelicans’ star forward, was quiet by his standards. He didn’t register his first field goal until just over a minute remained in the third quarter and finished with 11 points on six shots, along with five rebounds. The Pelicans’ offense sputtered at times, and their defense—which has allowed 120.9 points per game this season, third-worst in the NBA—couldn’t contain Embiid and company down the stretch.

Philadelphia’s supporting cast also played key roles. V.J. Edgecombe, who averages 15.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, chipped in solid minutes. The Sixers’ ability to space the floor and generate open looks from beyond the arc exposed New Orleans’ tendency to allow a high volume of opponent three-point attempts. Quentin Grimes, listed as probable before the game, and others in the rotation contributed to a balanced effort that complemented the star power of Embiid and Maxey.

Statistically, the game reflected the identities of both teams. The Sixers, who average 116.5 points per game (13th in the NBA), played to their strengths offensively. Their defense, ranked 15th in the league, did just enough to limit New Orleans’ surges. For the Pelicans, their 114.4 points per game (21st in the NBA) and struggles on the defensive end were both on display. The absence of Dejounte Murray, still sidelined with an Achilles tear, was felt in the Pelicans’ backcourt depth and perimeter defense.

Looking ahead, the Pelicans embark on a challenging four-game road trip with stops in Charlotte, Milwaukee, and Minnesota. Their recent lineup adjustments under interim coach Borrego—featuring Williamson, Murphy, Herb Jones, Bey, and rookie Derik Queen—have shown promise, but consistency remains elusive. The Sixers, meanwhile, will look to build on this win as they continue to navigate a tough Eastern Conference playoff race without George. With Maxey and Embiid leading the charge, Philadelphia has shown it can weather adversity and close out tight games against determined opponents.

Saturday’s contest may not have been a playoff game, but it had the intensity and narrative twists of one. For the Sixers, avenging four straight losses to the Pelicans and honoring a legendary team from their past made the night doubly sweet. For New Orleans, the effort was there, but the execution down the stretch was just a step behind. As the NBA season grinds on, both teams will take lessons from this battle—Philadelphia with renewed confidence, and New Orleans with a sense of unfinished business.