3 observations after Sixers narrowly beat Jazz, win 9th game in last 12

3 observations after Sixers narrowly beat Jazz, win 9th game in last 12 originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

For the first time in the 2024-25 season, the Sixers can say they have a three-game winning streak.

They squeaked past the Jazz on Saturday night, earning a 114-111 victory in Utah to move to 12-17 on the year. The Sixers have won nine of their last 12 games.

Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey each scored 32 points. Paul George had a fifth straight shooting game below par (13 points on 4-for-11 shooting) and dealt with foul trouble, but he had a season-high five steals.

Lauri Markkanen had 23 points and Collin Sexton and Brice Sensabaugh each had 20 for the Jazz, who dropped to 7-23.

The Sixers were without Jared McCain (left lateral meniscus surgery), KJ Martin (left foot stress reaction), Andre Drummond (left toe sprain) and Eric Gordon (oral surgery). Utah’s Keyonte George, John Collins and Taylor Hendricks were sidelined by injuries.

Embiid played after being listed as questionable with a “left foot sprain and reasy sinus fracture — mask” designation.

The Sixers will continue their end of the year West Coast swing when they play the Trail Blazers on Monday night. Here are observations from their win over Utah:

Nothing like the Sixers’ start in Boston

Despite playing the same starting lineup, the Sixers did not duplicate their success in the first quarter Christmas win over the Celtics.

George opened the scoring with a top-of-the-key triple, scoring Vince Carter in the ninth The NBA’s all-time three-point list. (George passed Carter when he sank a three early in the third quarter.)

After the first George bucket, the Jazz went on a 12-0 run. The Sixers lacked energy, settled for multiple jumpers and allowed five early offensive rebounds to the Jazz, who have been one of the NBA’s top teams in that department. When the Sixers switched to a zone defense, Markkanen knocked down a three-pointer to give Utah a 23-9 lead.

Embiid drew two early fouls against Jazz center Walker Kessler, who ended up collecting four in the first half. However, the Sixers’ superstar missed a few good first-quarter looks in and around the paint.

On the Sixers’ side, Kelly Oubre Jr. also two errors in his first innings. Maxey-Oubre’s starting court was scoreless until two Maxey free throws with 16.9 seconds left in the first quarter.

Dominant second quarter for Maxey and Embiid

The Maxey-Embiid pairing took control of the game in the second quarter, combining well on virtually every offensive possession.

The Sixers countered Utah’s one-play pressure by having Embiid set a flare screen for Maxey, and the All-Star guard hit a three. After Maxey went to Embiid on the short roll, the big man found Oubre, who clipped the baseline for a layup.

Both Embid and Maxey were also very effective at drawing fouls. They combined to go 14 for 16 at the free throw line in the first half. Meanwhile, the Jazz attempted just two free throws as a team through the first two quarters.

Maxey and Embiid didn’t do it all alone. For good reasons, Guerschon Yabusele played almost 11 straight minutes in his opener. He grabbed two offensive rebounds off missed free throws in the first half and also added seven points on 2-for-2 shooting, including a corner three.

George pulled off his fourth steal after a clever sneak attack double team on Markkanen. He then threw a behind-the-back fast break to Maxey, whose lefty slam gave the Sixers a 48-45 edge.

Star power wins in the end

The Sixers started the second half poorly, allowing Utah to regain the lead, and George then ran into serious foul trouble.

George was whistled for his fourth foul with 5:42 left in the third quarter. Sixers head coach Nick Nurse kept him in the game, which didn’t pay off at all. Seventeen seconds later, George picked up his fifth personal while trying to grab a defensive rebound.

With both Embiid and George off the floor, the Sixers’ defense leaked plenty of points. Even with Reggie Jackson and Yabusele hitting threes off the bench, the Sixers trailed when their Big 3 was back on the floor together.

In the end, their star power was decisive. Down by six points, the Sixers immediately got five straight from Embiid on the layup against Kessler.

Embiid made a key defensive play late when he intercepted a lob pass intended for Kessler. On the ensuing possession, Embiid stumbled to the ground but managed to spot Maxey open in the corner. He drained a clear three and buried another massive triple shortly after that. The Sixers went ahead 110-108 on an Embiid elbow jumper assisted by Maxey.

Two successful Nurse challenges in the final minute helped the Sixers win, although George missed two late free throws and Markkanen hit a three that kept some tension in the final few seconds.

However, Maxey converted a pair of foul shots, Embiid deflected a desperation, long-range Drew Eubanks inbounds pass, and the Sixers extended their winning streak.