76ers vs Mavericks: Maxey drops 34 and Edgecombe hits the game-winner to steal victory with 1.7 seconds left

The 76ers held off the Mavericks 139-136 in a thrilling game on January 1st, with Tyrese Maxey notching 34 points and 12 assists. Philadelphia’s guards dominated the final stretch, with rookie VJ Edgecombe hitting the decisive 3-pointer with just 1.7 seconds remaining. The 76ers extended their winning streak with clutch execution when it mattered most.

Maxey’s Clutch Performance Powers 76ers Down the Stretch

Tyrese Maxey was absolutely relentless in the closing moments against Dallas. The Philadelphia 76ers guard finished with 34 points, 12 assists, and 4 rebounds while shooting an efficient 13-21 from the field. Maxey also connected on 4-of-7 three-pointers and didn’t commit a single turnover throughout the game.

In the fourth quarter, Maxey orchestrated Philadelphia’s offense with precision. The Dallas Mavericks couldn’t consistently defend the 76ers star, allowing him to dictate pace and create opportunities for teammates. Maxey’s leadership on both ends of the floor was crucial as Philadelphia fought off a determined Mavericks squad.

This performance came just days after Maxey led the 76ers to victory against Memphis with 38 points, showing remarkable consistency in high-pressure situations.

Edgecombe’s Game-Winner Caps Dramatic Finish

While Maxey controlled the flow of the game, rookie VJ Edgecombe delivered the decisive moment. The third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft capped his 25-point performance with a clutch 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds remaining in the contest. Edgecombe finished with impressive all-around numbers, showcasing the 76ers future at the guard position.

Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse praised the moment, stating that “a game-winner for a rookie is pretty cool.” Edgecombe’s poise in the final seconds exemplified the composure Philadelphia needed to secure the road victory at the American Airlines Center.

The rookie from nearby Baylor University, a Dallas native like Maxey, proved invaluable in the clutch situation against his home state team.

Head-to-Head Matchup Statistics and Game Details

Category	76ers	Mavericks
Final Score	139	136
Maxey/Flagg Points	34 (Maxey)	19.4 PPG Avg (Flagg)
Second Leading Scorer	VJ Edgecombe 25	Max Christie 25
Series Record	4-0 (Last 4)	0-4

Mavericks Struggle with Late-Game Defense and Execution

The Dallas Mavericks entered January 1st looking to turn their season around after a disappointing finish to 2025. However, they fell victim to another close loss, extending a difficult trend for the franchise. Dallas had won three of five final contests in December but couldn’t maintain momentum here.

Coach Jason Kidd identified defensive discipline as a critical issue heading into this matchup. The Mavericks fouled too frequently down the stretch, allowing the 76ers to control the final moments. Cooper Flagg, the top overall draft pick, continues to average 19.4 points but couldn’t lead Dallas to victory against Philadelphia’s experienced backcourt.

Anthony Davis’s return from injury provided some relief for the Mavericks, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Philadelphia’s guard play and late-game execution.

What Does This Victory Mean for Both Teams?

Philadelphia improves to 17-14 on the season, continuing their impressive recent form in close games. The 76ers have now won four consecutive matchups against Dallas, each by seven points or fewer. This pattern of clutch victories suggests a team that thrives in high-pressure situations.

For the Mavericks, this represents another missed opportunity to climb out of their current hole. Dallas sits with a concerning record and faces continued pressure to turn things around before the NBA season progresses further. Jason Kidd’s team must address late-game execution if they hope to compete consistently.

The contrast between these franchises is stark: Philadelphia is riding confidence with guard excellence, while Dallas searches for solutions. As the calendar turns to January, both teams face critical decisions about their direction this season.

Sources

• NBA.com – Official game summary and box score
• ESPN – Live coverage and game recap
• NBC10 Philadelphia – Local sports coverage