2025-2026 Sixers Bell Ringer Season Standings:
VJ Edgecombe - 1
Tyrese Maxey - 1
The Sixers welcomed Eastern Conference foe the Orlando Magic to the Xfinity Mobile Arena for a Monday night tilt. The Sixers came into this one riding the high of two thrilling last second wins to open the season.
Joel Embiid was out for this contest which is the first night of a back-to-back for the Sixers. This was Embiid’s first game missed this season as a result of his load management plan. Dominick Barlow was out as well after suffering a right elbow laceration vs. the Hornets on Saturday night. The Sixers are still without the services of Paul George, Jared McCain and Trendon Watford, all of whom have yet to suit up this season.
Now, for the game.
The Sixers raced out to an early lead to open this one, propelled by nine first-quarter points apiece from Kelly Oubre Jr. and VJ Edgecombe. A late Magic run to close the quarter cut the Sixers’ advantage to 33-28 after one. The Sixers extended their lead in the second stanza behind 17 points in the quarter from Tyrese Maxey, who paced all scorers with 22 at the halftime break. Edgecombe continued his stellar play with nine more points in the second quarter to match his total from the first. Oubre poured in an efficient 16 points on 7-of-9 shooting. Quentin Grimes’ 11 points carried the Sixers’ bench unit. The Sixers’ backcourt dominated the first half to give them a 72-60 lead at the halftime break.
Things got chippy in the third quarter. Desmond Bane picked up three personal fouls and a technical foul in the first two minutes of the period. The third did not lack for entertainment as the Sixers had multiple highlight reel worthy blocks and dunks courtesy of Edgecombe and Adem Bona. The Sixers extended their lead on a few occasions in the third, but the Magic refused to go away. Anthony Black knocked down a near full-court heave to cut the Sixers’ lead to just seven to close the period. The Sixers would hold a 101-94 lead headed to the final frame.
Two big threes early in the fourth quarter from none other than the vet Eric Gordon helped the Sixers keep the Magic at arm’s length early in the period. The Magic battled to cut it to a one possession game late in the fourth but with a couple of big plays by Oubre, Maxey, and a timely bucket from Justin Edwards, the Sixers were able to stretch the lead once again. An 8-0 Maxey run that spanned from the 2:24 t0 1:15 mark of the fourth would give the Sixers a 12-point lead and would ultimately be the dagger. The Sixers would go onto win 136-124.
Now, let’s get to the Bell Ringer.
VJ Edgecombe: 26 points, 7 assists, 10-of-17 from the field, 2-for-4 from three
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Getty Images
The Sixers’ rookie sensation once again shined. Edgecombe put in 18 of his 26 points in the first half to give the Sixers the early advantage. Edgecombe continues to wow with his shot-making and shot-creation ability, an area of his game that was questioned by many as a prospect. Whether it’s getting to his spots in the midrange, probing for a floater, or sizing up defenders and creating space to bury triples, Edgecombe has shown the full array of his offensive arsenal. Edgecombe is staking a very early claim in this year’s Rookie of the Year race.
Tyrese Maxey: 43 points, 8 assists, 15-of-32 from the field, 9-of-10 free throws
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
NBAE via Getty Images
Maxey poured in 43 points in this one. This was Maxey’s second 40-point performance already in this young season. The Sixers’ star guard looks to be taking another sizeable leap. The sixth-year vet has become such a reliable and consistent force that many forget he is still just 24 years old. Maxey’s ability to create off both feet and with both hands around the basket make him such an elite finisher around the rim, always keeping defenders guessing and hesitating when to contest. Maxey’s late 8-0 run in this game highlighted his night and his scoring prowess as a whole — getting to the line, knocking down deep triples, finding a home for his elite floater which has been a staple of his game for a long time, and getting to the rim for crafty finishes. All-NBA Maxey may be on the horizon.
Kelly Oubre Jr: 25 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 9-of-16 from the field
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Getty Images
Oubre was fantastic from start to finish in this one. He brought the energy on both ends of the floor. Oubre was tasked with guarding both of the Magic All-Star wings and held his own all night. Oubre pulled down double-digit rebounds as well and turned in the first double-double by a Sixer this season. His 25 points were a season high for himself in this young season. Oubre had his jump shot stroke calibrated tonight knocking down two triples and several shots in the midrange as well. He looks to be the best version of himself at the moment, making an impact on both ends of the floor, as he often was throughout the 2023-2024 season.