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The 139-136 overtime win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday was a big first for the Philadelphia 76ers. The win not only snapped a 3-game losing streak, but it was also the first win for the Big 3 on the season.
The Sixers entered the contest 0-4 when the trio of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George played. That changed on Tuesday and all three had big performances:
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Maxey: 34 points, 12 assists
Embiid: 34 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists
George: 17 points
It's just one game against a banged up Grizzlies team, but this was by far the best game the trio have played together.
"Just trying to be aggressive, man," Maxey told reporters after the win. "All of us gotta be aggressive, but we also gotta play off each other. I think if we get in there and try to just take turns like here you take it, take it, take it, but we played off of each other. I think Paul got into some rhythm, hit some 3s, made a big layup in the fourth or overtime—I can’t remember what it was. Joel was Joel and I just tried to stay aggressive all night."
There are still some bumps that need to be smoothed out. George missed some open looks from deep that he was unable to convert, but Philadelphia believes that the 9-time All-Star will knock down those same shots when the time comes. It just takes more games and reps.
"Obviously, we need more time together, period, but I just think again, those guys getting into more rhythm," added coach Nick Nurse. "I think both Jo and Paul are still trying to get to a conditioning, continuity, rhythm place."
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Nurse is right bout the conditioning and the continuity, but it's obvious that Embiid and George are beginning to find that rhythm. When that happens, then the Sixers can be a dangerous team next to Tyrese Maxey.
"There's a lot of some great offensive plays by them, for sure," Nurse finished. "Let’s not kid ourselves. Paul made an incredible drive down the lane where we really needed a bucket, but there's some nights where those tough plays, kick outs, PG is going to knock those 3s down late in the game when, when I think there's just a—we just still need a little more time continuity, consistency of having them out there."
The Sixers will continue the road trip on Thursday when they open the New Year against the Dallas Mavericks.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Multiple Sixers discuss keys for Big 3 after first win over Grizzlies
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