The much-hyped 'Big 3' of the Philadelphia 76ers has yet to deliver a victory when playing together this NBA season. Despite the individual brilliance of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George, the team continues to struggle, putting their position in the Eastern Conference's top six at risk.
A Brief Respite Followed by More Losses
Fans of the Philadelphia 76ers had reason for optimism after the team secured back-to-back wins against the New York Knicks and the Dallas Mavericks. The hope was that the team, especially with its star trio on the court, was finally finding its rhythm.
However, that hope was short-lived. The 76ers promptly suffered two consecutive defeats, falling to the Brooklyn Nets and the Chicago Bulls. The concerning statistic is that in the four games this season where Maxey, Embiid, and George have all played, the team has failed to register a single win. Their combined individual scoring efforts have consistently fallen short against the opposition's total.
Examining the Numbers and the Challenges
The Philadelphia 76ers' current record stands at 16 wins and 13 losses. Individually, the stars are performing: Tyrese Maxey leads the team with an impressive average of 31.0 points per game. Joel Embiid follows with 21.0 points, and Paul George averages 16.4 points.
The problem lies in their synergy on the court. The four losses with the trio active came against the Atlanta Hawks, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Brooklyn Nets, and most recently, the Chicago Bulls. Each defeat was by a narrow margin, highlighting the fine line between winning and losing.
Injuries have been a significant disruptor. Both Maxey and Embiid have been working their way back from injuries, causing them to miss several games this season. The team has played 29 games so far, and consistency in lineup has been hard to achieve, with VJ Edgecombe also missing the Nets game.
Breaking Down the Chicago Bulls Defeat
The latest loss, a 109-102 defeat to the Chicago Bulls, exemplified the issue. Joel Embiid scored a game-high 31 points, and Tyrese Maxey added 27 points. Despite their efforts, the Bulls' balanced attack proved superior.
Tre Jones and Jack Collins led the Bulls with 15 points each, supported by double-digit contributions from Cobey White, Josh Giddey, Jalen Smith, and Matas Buzelis. The 76ers' star power was outmatched by a cohesive team performance.
What's Next for the Struggling 76ers?
The road does not get easier for Philadelphia. Their next challenge is a formidable one: facing the Oklahoma City Thunder, the team currently dominating the Western Conference. All eyes will be on the team sheet to see if the Big 3 will be available.
The central question remains: can Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George translate their individual talents into collective success and finally secure a win together? Their ability to do so will be crucial for the 76ers' ambitions to remain a top-tier team in the East.
