An enormous preseason story in regards to the Philadelphia 76ers was whether or not their stars would relaxation on back-to-backs. They most likely did not think about they would not get back-to-back wins till Dec. 3.
It wasn’t fairly, however the Sixers began their first successful streak of the season with a 110-104 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. Philadelphia led by 19 factors late within the fourth quarter, however slowly misplaced it till the Hornets retook the lead on Brandon Miller’s three-pointer with 1:32 to go.
They wanted Tyrese Maxey to nail a layup and salt the sport away with free throws to flee.
Maxey had 21 factors and Paul George scored 29 for the 76ers, who beat the Detroit Pistons on Saturday evening, 110-96. Positive, the Pistons had been enjoying on the second evening of a back-to-back, and sure, the Hornets had been lacking three gamers who had been opening evening starters, together with LaMelo Ball. However when a workforce that was thought-about a title contender earlier than the season has solely 4 wins by means of November, they do not apologize for that fifth win.
Like Joel Embiid, George wasn’t going to play in back-to-back video games this season, however two accidents to his knee have stored him out of 9 of the Sixers’ video games. Tuesday’s output tied a season-high for George, who additionally delivered eight assists — Maxey had seven of his personal.
After lastly getting back-to-back wins, can Philadelphia dream of probably successful three in a row? That is likely to be unlikely. Not solely will they should beat the 15-8 Orlando Magic, stung from a loss to the New York Knicks, Wednesday evening, they will additionally should do it with out George, for the reason that sport is a back-to-back.
Tuesday was a breakthrough back-to-back win. However Wednesday, resting on back-to-backs turns into the subject of dialog in Philadelphia once more.