Tyrese Maxey shines as 76ers rally to victory after Embiid's ejection

On December 23, 2024, in a game against the San Antonio Spurs, the Philadelphia 76ers faced a challenging situation when their star player, Joel Embiid, was ejected during the first half. This incident occurred after he received two technical fouls from referee Jenna Schroeder, with the first technical occurring due to an argument with the referee and leading to the second technical that resulted in his ejection. The ejection marked a troubling moment in Embiid's season, which had already been affected by injuries, including left knee soreness and a sinus fracture sustained earlier in December. Embiid's ejection came with around 2:59 left in the second quarter, leaving the 76ers without their leading scorer, who had recently returned to the court. Before his ejection, Embiid had struggled somewhat, scoring only nine points and grabbing three rebounds, despite showing aggression early on in the game. Notably, this matchup against the Spurs was highly anticipated due to the rivalry between Embiid and San Antonio's Victor Wembanyama, especially considering Embiid's record-breaking performance against the Spurs in January prior. Despite the setbacks, Tyrese Maxey stepped up significantly after Embiid's ejection. Maxey scored 32 points and contributed crucial plays down the stretch, helping the 76ers secure a hard-fought victory against the Spurs with a score of 111-106. His performance included stealing the ball and executing critical plays in the final minutes, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure and filling the gap left by Embiid's absence. Other players, such as Paul George, also played an important role, ensuring the team got over the hurdle of playing without their star. The game served as a testament to the resilience and depth of the 76ers' roster, though it also highlighted the ongoing struggles Embiid faces in maintaining consistency during the season due to injuries and now disciplinary issues. The ejection was a significant moment in the game, not only affecting team dynamics in the moment but also emphasizing the importance of on-court discipline and emotional control as the season progresses.