Philadelphia 76ers

Matched up in a high-profile tilt against the defending champions, the Philadelphia 76ers were granted the perfect opportunity to test their credibility. Guarding the rim with purpose, Joel Embiid sends a layup attempt in the opposite direction, creating an opportunity for Tyrese Maxey to dazzle in the open floor. Penetrating the rim just far enough to draw in the Denver Nuggets’ help, Maxey finishes the job, delivering Tobias Harris an alley-oop slam to send the crowd into a frenzy. The Embiid-Maxey-Harris trio looked ready for primetime, combining for 100 points as they helped guide the 76ers to a litmus test-like victory on January 16, 2024.