{"id":31608,"date":"2026-01-01T20:48:35","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T00:48:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/76ers-vs-mavericks-maxey-drops-34-and-edgecombe-hits-the-game-winner-to-steal-victory-with-1-7-seconds-left\/"},"modified":"2026-01-01T20:48:35","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T00:48:35","slug":"32578-76ers-hold-off-mavericks-139-136-as-maxey-scores-34-with-clutch-performance-down","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.red94.net\/news\/32578-76ers-hold-off-mavericks-139-136-as-maxey-scores-34-with-clutch-performance-down\/","title":{"rendered":"76ers vs Mavericks: Maxey drops 34 and Edgecombe hits the game-winner to steal victory with 1.7 seconds left"},"content":{"rendered":"

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

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\ud83d\udd25 Quick Facts<\/h3>\n
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  • Final Score:<\/b> 76ers 139, Mavericks 136 on January 1, 2026<\/li>\n
  • Maxey Stats:<\/b> 34 points, 12 assists, 4 rebounds, shooting 13-21 from field<\/li>\n
  • Game-Winner:<\/b> VJ Edgecombe<\/b> hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds left<\/li>\n
  • Record:<\/b> 76ers now 4-0 in recent matchups against Dallas<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n

    Maxey’s Clutch Performance Powers 76ers Down the Stretch<\/h2>\n

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

    In the fourth quarter, Maxey orchestrated Philadelphia’s offense with precision. The Dallas Mavericks<\/b> couldn’t consistently defend the 76ers<\/b> 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.<\/p>\n

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

    Edgecombe’s Game-Winner Caps Dramatic Finish<\/h2>\n

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

    Philadelphia 76ers<\/b> coach Nick Nurse<\/b> 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<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    The rookie from nearby Baylor University<\/b>, a Dallas native like Maxey, proved invaluable in the clutch situation against his home state team.<\/p>\n

    Head-to-Head Matchup Statistics and Game Details<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Category<\/td>\n76ers<\/td>\nMavericks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Final Score<\/td>\n139<\/b><\/td>\n136<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Maxey\/Flagg Points<\/td>\n34 (Maxey)<\/b><\/td>\n19.4 PPG Avg (Flagg)<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Second Leading Scorer<\/td>\nVJ Edgecombe 25<\/b><\/td>\nMax Christie 25<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Series Record<\/td>\n4-0 (Last 4)<\/b><\/td>\n0-4<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n

    Mavericks Struggle with Late-Game Defense and Execution<\/h2>\n

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

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

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

    What Does This Victory Mean for Both Teams?<\/h2>\n

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

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

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

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    Watch the Highlights:<\/h3>\n