PHILADELPHIA — In an electrifying game on Friday night, Paul George led the Philadelphia 76ers to a thrilling 132-129 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, snapping a seven-game losing streak. George was pivotal with a remarkable 30-point performance, while Tyrese Maxey contributed significantly with 29 points to help secure the win for the 76ers, who now stand at 16-27 for the season.
In contrast, the Cavaliers faced their second consecutive defeat, tying for the leading position in the NBA with Oklahoma City, each holding a record of 36-8. Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell led his team with an impressive 37 points, while Ty Jerome had a standout night, scoring a career-best 33 points, including a perfect 8-for-8 performance from beyond the arc.
The 76ers were still without their star center, Joel Embiid, who missed his tenth game due to a left knee injury and was also ruled out for the following match against Chicago by coach Nick Nurse. The 76ers showed resilience as they overcame an early deficit in the fourth quarter when Jerome’s back-to-back three-pointers put Cleveland ahead 116-110 with over six minutes left in the game. However, Philadelphia surged ahead with a streak of 13 consecutive points, taking back the lead and eventually sealing the win after a critical turnover by Jerome during an inbounds play.
Kelly Oubre Jr. also made valuable contributions for the 76ers with 22 points, while Darius Garland netted 26 points for the Cavaliers. A crucial moment in the match occurred when Eric Gordon knocked down a 3-pointer, pushing Philadelphia ahead 117-116. This shot was part of a 13-0 run that saw them establish a significant 123-116 lead with just over three minutes left on the clock.
A noteworthy detail from the game was the incredible shooting from long range, with both teams combining to make 46 three-pointers, showcasing the modern fast-paced and perimeter-oriented style of play.
Looking ahead, both teams are set to return to the court on Saturday night. The Cavaliers will host the Houston Rockets, aiming to overcome their latest 109-108 loss to the same team earlier in the week, while the 76ers will travel to Chicago to face the Bulls.
