NBA: 76ers beat Raptors to provide Nick Nurse first win

Philadelphia 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey shoots subsequent to Toronto Raptors’ Gradey Dick through the second half of an NBA basketball recreation Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Toronto. (Chris Younger/The Canadian Press by way of AP)

TORONTO — Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey every scored 34 factors, and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Toronto Raptors 114-107 on Saturday evening to provide new coach Nick Nurse his first win in opposition to his former group.

Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 18 factors and Tobias Harris had 15 because the 76ers gained their fourth straight over the Raptors.

“(Oubre) stated earlier than the sport, ‘We’re going to win this one for Coach,’” Maxey stated. “That’s what we went on the market and did. It was loopy ironic that we had been enjoying (Toronto) and it’s his first win. Congratulations to him, many extra to return.”

Toronto fired Nurse in April after 5 seasons as head coach.

“I might say that I wasn’t perhaps prepared for coming again this fast,” Nurse stated. “It felt method stranger than I believed it was going to really feel.”

Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey mixed for 68 POINTS in a gutsy win in Toronto 😤

EMBIID
🔥 34 PTS
🔥 9 REB
🔥 8 AST

MAXEY
🔥 34 PTS
🔥 7 AST
🔥 7 3PM pic.twitter.com/ox5U4kOLKP

— NBA (@NBA) October 29, 2023

Nurse led Toronto to the NBA championship in 2019 and was voted NBA Coach of the 12 months in 2020. Followers rose for a quick standing ovation when Nurse was honored with a video tribute throughout a first-quarter timeout.

Nurse stated the Raptors additionally gave him a number of framed photographs and different mementos from his decade with the group. Nurse was an assistant to Dwane Casey for 5 seasons earlier than touchdown the highest job.

The 76ers once more performed with out guard James Harden. Hoping to be traded, the 2018 MVP arrived late to coaching camp and stated earlier than the season that his fractured relationship with group president Daryl Morey couldn’t be repaired.

Harden additionally didn’t journey with the group for Thursday’s season-opening loss at Milwaukee.

Maxey didn’t take a shot within the first quarter however completed 7 for 9 from 3-point vary. The remainder of the Sixers went 3 for 19 behind the arc.

“It appeared like he had 30 factors each time we performed them after I was teaching in opposition to him, so it’s good to see him proceed that with me round,” Nurse stated of Maxey. “He’s actually wonderful.”

Scottie Barnes scored 24 factors, Gary Trent Jr. had 17 and rookie Gradey Dick scored 16 factors for the Raptors.

Dennis Schroder had 15 factors and 10 assists, and Pascal Siakam added 11 factors. Toronto misplaced for the second straight day after profitable its season opener on Wednesday.

Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid seems to be to shoot in opposition to Toronto Raptors’ Scottie Barnes through the second half of an NBA basketball recreation Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Toronto. (Chris Younger/The Canadian Press by way of AP)

The Raptors performed with out ahead O.G. Anunoby, who sat due to muscle cramps. Anunoby left within the fourth quarter of Friday’s additional time loss at Chicago due to cramps in his proper leg. Trent began in his place.

Raptors ahead Valuable Achiuwa left after 18 minutes due to a good left groin.

5 gamers related from deep because the Raptors shot 7 for 7 from 3-point vary within the first quarter to steer 36-27. Toronto scored 35 factors within the first half at Chicago on Friday.

“We picked it up,” Nurse stated. “Second, third and fourth quarter we performed way more strong.”

Maxey scored 15 factors within the second however the Raptors had been forward 59-56 at halftime.

Philadelphia reclaimed the lead by scoring 15 of the primary 17 factors of the second half, together with six from Embiid.

“We simply didn’t have the juice that stretch there,” Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic stated of his group’s play within the third.

The 76ers took a 91-79 result in the fourth.

UP NEXT

76ers: Host the Portland Path Blazers on Sunday.

Raptors: Host the Portland Path Blazers on Monday.