76ers Crush Clippers 128-113 Behind Maxey's Hot Shooting
In a high-scoring affair at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, the Philadelphia 76ers extended their winning streak to four games with a convincing 128-113 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on February 3, 2026. Tyrese Maxey's explosive performance, including seven 3-pointers en route to 29 points, proved to be the difference-maker in this matchup between two playoff contenders navigating injury and suspension challenges.
Game Highlights: Maxey and Barlow Lead the Charge
The 76ers came out firing, establishing an early lead that they never relinquished. Maxey was the star of the show, draining threes from deep and orchestrating the offense with precision. His 29 points were complemented by Dominick Barlow's impressive double-double of 26 points and 16 rebounds, showcasing the young forward's growing impact off the bench.
Joel Embiid, returning to full form after a nagging right ankle injury, contributed 24 points and was pivotal in the paint. Despite not being named an All-Star reserve, Embiid's presence anchored Philadelphia's interior defense and scoring. The trio of Maxey, Barlow, and Embiid combined for 79 points, overwhelming a Clippers squad missing key pieces.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
The first quarter set the tone as the 76ers jumped out to a 38-19 lead, fueled by Maxey's early 3-point barrage and fast-break opportunities. Philadelphia's ball movement was crisp, leading to open looks that the Clippers struggled to contest.
By halftime, the Sixers had ballooned their advantage to 72-53, with Barlow dominating the glass and Embiid drawing double-teams to free up shooters. The Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard's 29 points, showed flashes of their potential but couldn't sustain defensive stops.
The third quarter saw LA mount a comeback, outscoring Philadelphia 34-28 to cut the deficit to 100-87. Leonard's scoring kept his team in it, but Maxey and company responded with key buckets to maintain control. In the fourth, the Clippers pushed hard with Leonard's dunks and a timely 3-pointer, but the 76ers' depth prevailed, closing out the game comfortably.
Key Player Performances and Absences
For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard was a lone bright spot, scoring 29 points with athletic dunks and perimeter shooting. Jordan Miller added 21 points from the bench, providing a spark, but it wasn't enough against Philadelphia's balanced attack. Notably absent was James Harden, who sat out his second consecutive game for personal reasons. Coach Tyronn Lue revealed pre-game that Harden was handling matters at home in Phoenix, leaving LA's backcourt thin.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, continues to thrive without Paul George, who is serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA's anti-drug program. The Sixers are now 11-10 in his absence, proving their depth and resilience. Embiid's gradual return to peak performance has been a boon, as he looked sharp in dictating the game's pace.
Injury and Suspension Impact
Both teams entered the game dealing with star power shortages. Embiid's ankle injury had sidelined him earlier in the season, but his 24 points signal a full recovery on the horizon. Leonard, also snubbed from All-Star reserves, carried a heavy load for LA but couldn't rally his squad from the early hole.
The Clippers' 8-3 record over their last 11 games highlights their fight to stay in play-in contention, but losses like this expose vulnerabilities without Harden's playmaking. Philadelphia's win improves them to 28-21, solidifying their sixth-place spot in the Eastern Conference Atlantic Division.
Season Series and Standings Implications
This victory gives the 76ers a 2-0 season series edge over the Clippers, following their earlier 110-108 win in Philadelphia. In the broader NBA landscape, the Sixers sit third in the Atlantic behind New York and Boston, both at 31-18. Their four-game streak positions them well for a deep playoff run.
On the Western side, the Clippers drop to 23-26, 6.5 games back in the Pacific Division and clinging to play-in hopes. The Lakers lead the division at 29-19, with Phoenix close behind at 30-20. LA's recent form is encouraging, but consistency will be key as they host the Cleveland Cavaliers next.
Looking Ahead: Next Matchups
The 76ers face a quick turnaround, traveling to face the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night in a back-to-back test. Golden State, eighth in the West at 27-23, will be a tough opponent on their home floor. A win here could extend Philly's streak to five and boost their Eastern Conference standing.
For the Clippers, Wednesday's home game against the Cavaliers offers a chance for redemption. Cleveland's balanced roster will challenge LA's depth issues, but Leonard's leadership could spark a turnaround. Fans will be watching closely as both teams navigate the grind of the 2025-26 season.
This matchup underscored the NBA's competitive balance, with under-the-radar stars like Maxey stepping up amid absences. As the season progresses toward the All-Star break, expect both squads to make noise in their respective conferences. Stay tuned to Everythiiing.com for more NBA updates, analysis, and highlights.
