While he did hit a tough fadeaway jumper over Williamson, Maxey lacked his usual comfort and confidence offensively. That’s obviously no reason to panic, but everyone would’ve preferred a smoother transition back into action. Rivers opting to play Maxey with Embiid off the floor and Shake Milton the one guard next to him early in the second quarter didn’t make things easy.
He scored 10 points in under five minutes, gave the Sixers a 16-6 lead with a fast-break dunk, and shot 6 for 7 from the field in the first quarter. A Sixers comeback seemed unlikely by the middle of the fourth quarter, but Embiid ended the game poorly. He missed his final three shots, committed two late turnovers, and couldn't stop Williamson on a couple of switches. The Sixers ask a Essentially, Friday was a typical statistical night for Embiid this December. A 37-point performance didn't change his scoring average in the month at all. Turnovers were a monstrous problem for the Sixers in the first half.