NBA: Maxey and Embiid flatten the Pacers — Philadelphia strikes hard on the road

They needed a message. Philadelphia sent one.

In Indianapolis, the 76ers steamrolled the Pacers 135-114 with a reunited duo firing on all cylinders. Tyrese Maxey the detonator. Joel Embiid the boss, back in charge.

And when those two click at that level, it looks like a statement.

Embiid back — and instantly decisive

Joel Embiid returned after five games out, fighting tibia pain and managing his right knee. He didn’t ease in.

27 points in 26 minutes. 20 by halftime. 11-of-17 shooting. Physical, alert on the doubles, dominating the paint.

Philadelphia posted 82 points in the paint to Indiana’s 52. That’s where the game was decided.

Maxey accelerates — the run that kills

Tyrese Maxey finished with 32 points. He exploded in transition, hit pull-ups off screens, attacked without pause.

Indiana led 38-30 after the first. Then Philly ripped off a 17-0 run to open the second. The game shifted. Permanently.

At the half the Sixers were shooting 64%. Lead 75-65. In the third, Maxey added 13 more and the margin ballooned to 106-85.

Game over.

Pacers shorthanded and outmuscled

Pascal Siakam was out with a left wrist problem. Aaron Nesmith was also unavailable. Indiana tried to patch things up.

Andrew Nembhard and Micah Potter scored 23 each, a career best for Potter. Still, the team shot just 42% and coughed up 16 turnovers.

They couldn’t match the Sixers physically. Or keep up with the pace.

Philadelphia sends a message

The 76ers led by 28 in the fourth before emptying the bench. VJ Edgecombe added 23 with ruthless efficiency.

VJ Edgecombe 23 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 2 STL, 9/13 FG, 2/4 3FG, 80.3% TS vs Pacers https://t.co/7wkLUkULXi pic.twitter.com/WipzsZcyuV

— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) February 25, 2026

More than the score, it was the sense of control that impressed. When Embiid is healthy and Maxey is aggressive, Philadelphia can aim for the top of the conference.

Next up: Miami at home. Indiana heads to Charlotte.

On Tuesday night, in a hostile building, the Sixers showed they can act like contenders. That changes everything.

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