76ers Beat Bulls, But Long Road Ahead for Big Three

The Philadelphia 76ers secured a much-needed win on Sunday against the Chicago Bulls, marking the first time their newly formed Big Three—Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George—played a full game together. While the victory was a positive step for a team struggling early in the season, the 76ers still have a long journey ahead to become true contenders. Here’s a breakdown of the game, the performances of the Big Three, and what’s next for Philadelphia as they strive to reach their full potential.

A Long Time Coming: Big Three Finally Plays Together

Though Sunday’s victory marked a milestone for the 76ers, it wasn’t the debut of their new Big Three. The trio of Embiid, Maxey, and George was first unveiled on November 20, but the game against the Memphis Grizzlies ended in disappointment. Maxey was limited in minutes due to an injury recovery, and George suffered an injury of his own, leaving the team unable to field their full roster.

Since then, the 76ers have shuffled through various combinations of their star players, but it wasn’t until Sunday that they finally had all three on the court together from start to finish. This game was important for the 76ers for more than just the win; it was a chance for the team to prove their potential when all of their key players are healthy and playing together.

Tyrese Maxey Shines as Lead Playmaker

One of the standout performances of the game came from Tyrese Maxey, who embraced his role as the lead playmaker for this revamped offense. Maxey recorded a career-high 14 assists, showcasing his ability to distribute the ball effectively and elevate the play of his teammates. With the offense centered around Embiid, the added playmaking from Maxey gives the 76ers a more dynamic and versatile attack, something they have sorely lacked in recent seasons.

Maxey’s performance was crucial, especially with Embiid taking some time to find his rhythm after missing his first six shots. While Maxey excelled in the playmaking department, the team’s success will hinge on his ability to keep up this level of production, both as a scorer and facilitator, moving forward.

Joel Embiid’s Bounce Back Performance

Although Joel Embiid struggled early, missing his first six shots, he turned it around with a dominant showing, finishing the game with 31 points in 33 minutes. His ability to bounce back from a slow start and carry the team offensively speaks to his resilience and talent. Embiid remains the focal point of Philadelphia’s offense, and when he’s firing on all cylinders, the team is hard to beat.

However, while Embiid’s performance was crucial to the win, it’s clear that he can’t do it alone. For the 76ers to truly contend, he needs the continued support of his teammates, particularly in the scoring and playmaking departments, from players like Maxey and George.

Paul George Plays Quiet Role, But Contributes

Paul George had a quieter game compared to Embiid and Maxey, finishing with 12 points and seven rebounds. Although he shot 0-for-5 from beyond the arc, George found success inside, converting six of his eight two-point attempts. His performance was a reminder of his ability to impact the game in multiple ways, even when his shot isn’t falling. George’s defensive presence and ability to score in the paint were essential in keeping the 76ers ahead during stretches when other players struggled.

However, for the 76ers to reach their full potential, George needs to contribute more consistently, especially from the perimeter. His shooting ability will be key as the team faces tougher competition in the coming weeks.

A Glimpse of Normalcy, But Challenges Lie Ahead

While the 76ers’ win over the Bulls was a step in the right direction, it wasn’t without its flaws. The Bulls managed to trim a 19-point second-half lead down to just five points in the final minutes, exposing some of the defensive lapses and lack of cohesion that have plagued the team. Rookie Jared McCain, who has been a bright spot early in the season, may now have to adjust to a more prominent bench role, as the team shifts its focus to solidifying their rotation.

Looking ahead, the 76ers have a relatively favorable schedule in the coming days, with three winnable games against the Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Hornets. These games will be crucial for building momentum and confidence before a more challenging stretch that includes a six-game road trip and a tough schedule in the final month before the February 6 trade deadline.

However, with the 76ers already eight games below .500, the margin for error is shrinking. The team cannot afford any more injuries, unexpected losses, or locker room drama. The road ahead will require consistency, health, and a continued commitment to improving team chemistry.

The Road to Contention: What’s Next for the 76ers?

While Sunday’s win was an important moment for the 76ers, the real test begins now. The team needs to prove that they can sustain this level of performance over a longer stretch and make the most of their remaining opportunities before the trade deadline.

The success of the Big Three will depend on how well Maxey, Embiid, and George can build chemistry both on and off the court. If they can stay healthy and continue to develop as a unit, the 76ers may still have a chance to turn their season around. However, time is running out, and the team must find ways to avoid further setbacks if they are to remain in playoff contention.