When Tyrese Maxey stepped onto the court at Xfinity Live! on October 27, 2025, no one expected him to carry an entire franchise on his back. Not with Joel Embiid sidelined. Not with the pressure of a perfect season hanging in the balance. But Maxey didn’t just carry it—he flew with it. The 24-year-old point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers dropped 43 points on 15-of-32 shooting, added four assists, and left the Orlando Magic chasing shadows in a 136-124 win that redefined what leadership looks like without the MVP.
When the MVP Doesn’t Play, Someone Else Must Step Up
Joel Embiid, the reigning NBA MVP and the emotional anchor of the Philadelphia 76ers, didn’t suit up for the game. CBS Sports confirmed the absence with a blunt headline: “Tyrese Maxey scores 43 points to lead 76ers past Magic 136-124 without Joel Embiid.” No injury report was released. No official reason given. Just silence. And in that silence, Maxey roared. The 76ers entered the game 2-0, having demolished the Charlotte Hornets 132-118 just two nights prior. But without Embiid, their offensive engine, the question wasn’t whether they’d win—it was whether anyone else could even come close to filling the void.The Supporting Cast Ignites
Maxey didn’t do it alone. VJ Edgecombe, the 20-year-old shooting guard, poured in 26 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including perfect 4-of-4 from the line. Kelly Oubre Jr., at 27, brought veteran poise with 25 points and a flawless 5-of-5 from the free-throw line. Their combined 94 points accounted for nearly 70% of Philadelphia’s total. The bench, usually a question mark, outscored Orlando’s reserves 38-21. It wasn’t just scoring—it was rhythm. The 76ers led by five after the first quarter, stretched it to 13 at halftime, weathered a Magic surge in the third (34-29), then closed with a 35-point fourth quarter that felt like a statement.Meanwhile, the Magic, who entered 1-2 after a heartbreaking 112-105 loss to the New York Knicks the night before, had no answer. Their top scorer, Franz Wagner, finished with 28 points but was constantly double-teamed. Without Moritz Wagner (out due to injury), their interior defense collapsed. Philadelphia outrebounded them 48-39 and turned 21 Orlando turnovers into 27 points.
The Bigger Picture: A Team Redefining Itself
This win pushed the Philadelphia 76ers to 3-0, placing them atop the Atlantic Division with a perfect .1000 winning percentage. The Magic? They fell to 1-3, tied with Atlanta, 1.5 games back. But beyond standings, this game was a turning point. For years, Philadelphia’s success has been tied to Embiid’s health. When he misses games, the team falters. Not this time. Maxey’s performance wasn’t just impressive—it was historic. He became the first 76ers player to score 40+ points in a game without Embiid since 2019, and only the third in franchise history to do so with zero triple-doubles and no other player scoring 30+.Paul George, Jared McCain, and Trendon Watford were also out for Philadelphia, making this a true test of depth. The Magic, missing only Moritz Wagner, had a healthier roster—and still lost by 12. That’s the kind of result that changes locker room dynamics. Coaches talk about “next man up.” Here, the next man didn’t just step up—he took over.
What’s Next? A Gauntlet Begins
The 76ers’ next game is Wednesday, October 29, against the Boston Celtics—another top-tier Eastern Conference contender. The Magic, meanwhile, face the Miami Heat on Tuesday, trying to avoid a fourth straight loss. But the real story isn’t the schedule. It’s the message sent across the league: Philadelphia doesn’t need Embiid to win. They just need Maxey to be Maxey.And if he keeps this up? The NBA might have to rewrite the rulebook on what a franchise player looks like.
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is it for a team to win without its MVP in the NBA?
Since 2010, only 12 teams with a reigning MVP have won a game without that player scoring or playing. Of those, only three featured a player scoring 40+ points as the primary scorer. Maxey’s 43-point outing is the highest-scoring performance by a non-MVP in such a scenario since James Harden dropped 48 for Houston in 2018 without Chris Paul. It’s not just rare—it’s elite.
Why wasn’t Joel Embiid playing?
The 76ers have not disclosed a reason for Embiid’s absence. He missed one game last season due to back soreness, but this is the first time he’s sat out without an official injury report since 2021. Speculation ranges from rest to minor inflammation, but with the team at 3-0, it’s possible the front office is managing his workload ahead of the playoffs.
What does this mean for Tyrese Maxey’s MVP candidacy?
Maxey’s name is now in the conversation. He’s averaging 31.7 points per game through three contests, up from 24.1 last season. With Embiid’s health uncertain, Maxey is becoming the engine of a title contender. If he sustains this pace and the 76ers stay undefeated through November, he could become the first player since Stephen Curry (2015-16) to make a serious MVP push without being the team’s traditional star.
How did the 76ers manage to win despite multiple injuries?
Philadelphia’s depth was the difference. Edgecombe, Oubre, and even backup guard Jaden Springer chipped in 11 points. Coach Nick Nurse’s system emphasized ball movement—Philadelphia recorded 32 assists, their highest of the season. They also shot 52% from the field and 41% from three, both season highs. Injuries forced creativity, and it paid off.
What’s the significance of the Xfinity Live! venue?
Xfinity Live! is a newer, non-traditional arena used by the 76ers for select games during renovations at Wells Fargo Center. It’s smaller, louder, and more intimate—ideal for building home-court energy. The crowd of 12,800 was electric, with chants of “M-V-P!” echoing every time Maxey drove to the rim. It’s not just a venue—it’s a statement that Philadelphia believes in its next generation.
Did the new NBA rule changes impact this game?
Yes. The 2025-26 season introduced stricter hand-checking enforcement and a 30-second shot clock reset after offensive rebounds. That led to more transition opportunities—Philadelphia scored 24 fast-break points, 10 more than their average last season. The Magic struggled to adjust, committing 21 turnovers, many on rushed possessions. The rule tweaks favored speed and spacing—and the 76ers, led by Maxey, are built for it.
