Embiid’s 40-Point Night Lifts 76ers Past Pelicans in First Game Without Paul George

The Philadelphia 76ers faced an abrupt test Saturday night, stepping onto the court without veteran forward Paul George just hours after news broke of his 25-game suspension. What could have been a deflating moment instead turned into a statement win, as the Sixers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 124-114 at Xfinity Mobile Arena.

With one of their top wings sidelined indefinitely, Philadelphia leaned heavily on its franchise cornerstone. Joel Embiid responded with one of his most complete performances of the season, setting the tone early and carrying the offense late.

The victory came on a night filled with emotion and history. Members of the franchise’s 2000-01 Eastern Conference championship team, including Allen Iverson, were in attendance, adding a sense of occasion to a game that required resilience.

By the final buzzer, the Sixers had not only handled the distraction but extended their winning streak, showing they remain capable of steadying themselves behind their All-Star center.

1. Embiid Sets the Tone

Embiid wasted little time asserting control, establishing deep post position and forcing New Orleans into early foul trouble. His presence in the paint opened the floor for teammates and helped Philadelphia dictate the pace. The 12th-year big man finished with 40 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal in 39 minutes. He shot 13-of-27 from the field, knocked down three of five attempts from beyond the arc and converted 11 of 14 free throws. It marked his first 40-point outing of the season and served as a reminder of the scoring versatility that has defined his career. Whether backing down defenders, stepping out for jumpers or drawing contact at the rim, Embiid consistently found ways to manufacture offense. Beyond the numbers, his leadership stood out. With George unavailable and the rotation adjusting on the fly, Embiid provided stability, directing traffic and anchoring the defense when New Orleans threatened to cut into the lead.

2. Support Steps Forward

Philadelphia’s supporting cast ensured Embiid’s effort didn’t go to waste. Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, adding four assists while defending multiple positions on the wing. Tyrese Maxey balanced scoring and playmaking duties, finishing with 18 points, eight assists and five rebounds. Rookie VJ Edgecombe chipped in 15 points and five assists, continuing to grow into a reliable secondary option. Second-year guard Jared McCain provided a spark from the perimeter, scoring 12 points and hitting four three-pointers. Role players Dominick Barlow and Trendon Watford added timely contributions on both ends, helping Philadelphia maintain energy throughout the game. Collectively, the Sixers shot 17-of-36 from three-point range and controlled the glass with a 52-46 rebounding edge, a combination that allowed them to withstand New Orleans’ scoring bursts.

3. Pelicans Fight, Sixers Look Ahead

New Orleans, now 13-38 and near the bottom of the Western Conference standings, found offense through Saddiq Bey, who poured in 34 points with six rebounds. Trey Murphy III added 19 points and nine boards, while bench guard Jeremiah Fears scored 12. The Sixers’ defense focused heavily on Zion Williamson, limiting his opportunities and forcing the ball out of his hands. Williamson finished with just 11 points on six shot attempts, never fully establishing a rhythm. One of the night’s most memorable moments came after the game, when Embiid’s five-year-old son, Arthur, joined his father during a postgame interview. After asking how many points he had scored, Embiid smiled broadly and replied, “I got 40,” a lighthearted cap to a demanding night. With the win, Philadelphia improved to 27-21 and held onto sixth place in the East, riding a three-game winning streak as it prepares for a road matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers.