Tyrese Maxey scored 11 of his game-high 31 points in the fourth quarter to power the Sixers past the Orlando Magic and set up another chapter between Philadelphia and the Boston Celtics in the playoffs.
Down an offensive focal point, the Sixers will need rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe to carry over the play he's offered for much of his first year in the NBA.
A little more than 24 hours before the ball drops between the Orlando Magic and Sixers in Philadelphia on Wednesday, neither team is saving many Chess moves.
Tyrese Maxey never got to experience March Madness, but he imagines Sunday night, in the locker room, after the Sixers' victory over the Milwaukee Bucks was something like it.
Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 32 points, eight rebounds and five assists to power the Sixers to a victory over the Indiana Pacers and keep their hopes of avoiding the Play-In tournament alive.
The Pacers, who are barely holding off the Brooklyn Nets for position at the second overall pick in this summer's draft, have no incentive to put a team forward who can win.
Joel Embiid apparently avoided an early injury scare en route to a strong effort against the San Antonio Spurs, but no one backed him up as the Sixers blew a critical opportunity with Victor Wembanyama out for the entire second half.
George knows his time left playing this game is finite, but he's willing to spend some of that time cultivating the next generation of Sixers basketball.
Wednesday against the lowly Bulls was his fourth consecutive game with at least 22 points. He's compiled at least six rebounds and four assists in each game.