Did you hear about the game where both teams forgot how to shoot three-pointers? It sounds crazy, right? But that's exactly what happened when the Philadelphia 76ers clashed with the Orlando Magic on Friday, January 9, 2026! Despite a truly abysmal performance from beyond the arc, the Sixers managed to snag a 103-91 victory, proving that sometimes, grit and determination can overcome even the coldest shooting nights.
Let's break down how Philly pulled it off. Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers' explosive guard, led the charge with a stellar 29-point performance, also nabbing three steals. And this is the part most people miss... While Maxey is known for his scoring prowess (he's currently the NBA's third-leading scorer!), he actually struggled early in the game, only managing 12 points in the first half and bricking all four of his three-point attempts. He finished the game shooting 10 for 22 overall and 3 for 8 from three, demonstrating his resilience and ability to adjust his game even when his shot isn't falling. Joel Embiid, the Sixers' dominant center, contributed a solid 22 points and nine rebounds, anchoring the team's inside game.
Paul George also played a crucial role, particularly in the second half, where he scored 12 of his 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds. His second-half surge helped the Sixers maintain their lead and secure the win. This victory marks the fifth win in six games for Philadelphia, and their fourth consecutive win on the road, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure away from their home court.
On the Orlando side, Desmond Bane topped the scoring charts with 23 points. Anthony Black chipped in with 21 points, and Paolo Banchero recorded a near triple-double with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. But here's where it gets controversial... some analysts argue that Banchero's assist numbers, while impressive, don't always translate into efficient offense. Is he truly making the players around him better, or simply padding his stats? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
The real story of the game, however, was the ice-cold shooting from three-point range. Philadelphia shot a dismal 4 for 28 (14.3%) from beyond the arc, while Orlando wasn't much better, hitting just 4 of 29 (13.8%). To put that in perspective, the average NBA team makes around 35-37% of their three-point attempts! It was a true anomaly of a game, a throwback to an era when the three-pointer wasn't the dominant force it is today. Maxey, despite his overall strong performance, only hit his second three-pointer with 1:36 remaining in the third quarter, at which point the Sixers were a collective 3 for 22 from deep. His final three-pointer, with 3:42 left in the game, gave the Sixers their largest lead of the night, 101-85.
Adding to the drama, referee Bill Kennedy was unfortunately forced to leave the court in a wheelchair after suffering an apparent leg injury during the first quarter. We wish him a speedy recovery!
Orlando was also dealing with injuries, playing without Tristan da Silva (back spasms) and Jalen Suggs, who missed his fourth straight game with a right knee contusion. These absences undoubtedly impacted the Magic's performance and depth.
Looking ahead, the 76ers are set to face the Toronto Raptors in a back-to-back series on Sunday and Monday, while the Magic will return home to host the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.
So, what are your takeaways from this game? Can the Sixers maintain their winning streak, even with inconsistent three-point shooting? And will the Magic be able to bounce back from this loss and integrate their injured players back into the lineup effectively? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below! What is more important, a player's individual stats or their contribution to the team's overall success?
