Sixers’ Big Three Finds Rhythm, Quentin Grimes Thrives in New Role During Win Over Mavericks
Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George show promise as Quentin Grimes shines in a defensive spark role.
The Philadelphia 76ers are beginning to find their stride with their newly formed Big Three.
On Thursday night in Dallas, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and
Paul George played together for the second consecutive game, leading the Sixers to a convincing
123-108 victory over the Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
The win improved Philadelphia’s record to 18-14, marking back-to-back victories with the trio on
the floor. It’s a notable turnaround after the Sixers lost the first four games featuring their Big Three earlier
this season — part of a nine-game skid dating back to last year. Head coach Nick Nurse emphasized
patience, noting that rhythm and conditioning take time.
“Just trying to get more games with them,” Nurse said. “They need more minutes, more rhythm, more time, more
conditioning. The more games we can do in a row, the better.”
Against Dallas, the Sixers showcased balance. Maxey led the way with 34 points, 10 assists, and eight
rebounds, while rookie VJ Edgecombe added 23 points and four steals.
Embiid chipped in 22 points and six assists, George contributed 14 points and seven
rebounds, and Quentin Grimes impressed with 19 points and relentless
defense.
Embiid’s resurgence has been key. After averaging just 18.2 points in his first nine games, he’s now averaging
29.2 points over his last six.
“I feel like I’m getting back to myself,” Embiid said. “Physically, I’m back to protecting the rim and being that
defensive presence.”
George at the Three
George has primarily played small forward this season, filling in while Kelly Oubre Jr. recovers
from a knee injury. Though his shooting has been inconsistent, George’s impact remains strong — finishing with a
game-high plus-20 against Dallas. Nurse confirmed George will remain at the three once Oubre
returns, though matchups could dictate occasional shifts to power forward.
Meanwhile, Dominick Barlow has emerged as a reliable starter at the four, giving Nurse lineup
flexibility.
“He’s played great,” Nurse said of Barlow. “It could be Paul, it could be Barlow, maybe Oubre or [Adem] Bona. It
depends on who we’re playing.”
Grimes’ New Role
With the roster getting healthier, Quentin Grimes has embraced a role focused on defense and
opportunistic shooting. He made an immediate impact Thursday, blocking Cooper Flagg’s drive within
seconds of checking in, then drilling a corner three. He finished 7-of-9 from the field, including 5-of-7
from deep, with six rebounds, two assists, and three blocks.
“He can get hot, make threes, drive the ball, and play defense. He fits with a lot of lineups,” Maxey said.
Grimes emphasized physicality in defending Flagg and Nurse praised his athleticism and explosiveness.
Depth Emerging
The Sixers’ bench — featuring Grimes, Andre Drummond, Jared McCain,
Jabari Walker, and Bona — provided valuable minutes. Nurse believes this could be
his deepest roster since taking over in 2023, though he cautioned against premature conclusions.
“Let’s get 10 or 12 games with everyone healthy before we start worrying about that kind of stuff.”
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