The Philadelphia 76ers pulled off a gritty 113-97 road victory over the LA Clippers on February 2, 2026, at the Intuit Dome, showcasing their depth and resilience amid a tight Western Conference race. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid led the charge in a game that highlighted Philly's three-game win streak clashing with LA's bounce-back bid.
Game Highlights
The 76ers dominated from the tip, jumping to an early 38-19 lead after the first quarter behind Maxey's hot shooting and Embiid's interior presence. Key moments included Dominick Barlow's offensive rebounds fueling second-chance points, with Philly outrebounding LA 15-8 in the opening frame, and VJ Edgecombe's transition threes keeping the Clippers on their heels.
In the second quarter, LA mounted a push with Kawhi Leonard's dunks and Kobe Sanders' stepbacks narrowing it to 72-53 at halftime, but Philly's bench—led by Adem Bona's blocks and Quentin Grimes' threes—stifled any real threat. The third saw Embiid draw fouls for free throws, extending the lead to 100-87, while the fourth was a blowout clinic with Maxey's pullups and Barlow's tip-ins sealing it at 113-97.
Standout plays: Tyrese Maxey's three-point running pullup at 10:51 in the fourth pushed it to 103-87, and Adem Bona's block on Brook Lopez epitomized Philly's defensive intensity. Turnovers plagued LA, with 14 leading to 22 Philly points, underscoring the Clippers' cohesion issues without James Harden.
Key Player Performances
Tyrese Maxey was electric, dropping 28 points on efficient shooting with clutch assists to Grimes and Barlow, continuing his season average of 29.2 PPG. Joel Embiid controlled the paint with 22 points, multiple threes, and drawn fouls (11 FTs made), dominating Ivica Zubac early.
For Philly, Quentin Grimes added 18 points off the bench with timely threes, while Dominick Barlow's 15 points and 12 rebounds off the glass were game-changers. Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in 14 with dunks and steals. On LA's side, Kawhi Leonard fought with 26 points but shot inefficiently late; Kobe Sanders impressed with 19 off the bench, including stepbacks. John Collins had 16 and Brook Lopez 15, but Ivica Zubac struggled against Embiid.
Team Stats Breakdown
Philly shot 52% from the field and 41% from three, forcing 18 LA turnovers while committing just 10. They owned the boards 48-39, converting second chances into 28 points. Defensively, 12 blocks and steals fueled 26 fast-break points.
LA hit 47% but went cold from deep (32%), with poor ball security costing them dearly. Their bench outscored Philly's 52-48, but starters faltered without Harden's playmaking. Free throws were even at 25-24, but Philly's paint scoring (56-44) told the tale.
Season Context
This win boosts the 76ers to 30-21, solidifying their 4th in the East (behind Cleveland, Boston, Knicks at 31-18). On a three-game streak post-Pelicans win, Philly eyes playoffs with Embiid healthy despite knee management. Paul George, now with Philly, debuted strong earlier vs LA (9 PTS, 7 REB in Nov '25 win).
Clippers slip to 23-25, 8th West, desperate after Harden's absence (coach update: "concerning"). Kawhi's load management and recent Denver loss compound issues; they need home wins to climb. Head-to-head: Philly leads 4-2 last 6, including 110-108 thriller in Nov '25 where Maxey scored 39.
Injury and Roster Notes
Embiid was questionable (knee) but played 32 minutes dominantly; George probable earlier but shone. Harden sidelined for LA, impacting playmaking—Maxey thrived against ex-team. Philly's depth (Bona, Barlow, Edgecombe) covered; LA missed Harden's 55-PPG potential.
Rookies like VJ Edgecombe (Philly) and Kobe Sanders (LA) flashed, hinting future rivalries.
What It Means Moving Forward
Philly's road warrior mentality (27-21 projected) positions them for East contention, with Maxey's All-Star case strengthening. LA must regroup sans Harden, leaning on Leonard/Collins for Pacific survival.
Fan buzz: Philly supporters celebrated Embiid's troll face after blocks; Clippers faithful lament Harden's timing. Next: 76ers host Bucks; Clippers face Lakers—pivotal for seeding.
