Even when Joel Embiid’s healthy, he cannot stay on the court. Embiid didn’t hold back in the second quarter, and it cost him. After an offensive charging foul, he let the refs know exactly how he felt. His heated exchange earned him two technical fouls and an early exit from the game. A pattern for the Philadelphia 76ers. Because Andre Drummond was ejected just before him.

With 8:13 left in the second quarter, Victor Wembanyama went down hard, but it was a questionable call. The refs hit Drummond with two technical fouls and sent him packing, even though he never touched Wembanyama. But after a review, it turned out Wembanyama had exaggerated the fall. The refs reversed their decision and let Drummond back on the court.

Well, his return was short-lived. Drummond won’t be re-entering Monday’s game against the Spurs after picking up a left great toe contusion. He only managed to play for seven minutes, putting up two points, three rebounds, and one assist. With this, they have lost two centers.

When Drummond stepped out of the tunnel at the Wells Fargo Center after the reversed decision, the crowd erupted in applause. 76ers fans couldn’t contain their excitement for his big return to the court! But who knew he’d have to exit the court soon after? A hero’s welcome, but his triumphant return quickly turned to disappointment as an injury forced him off the court once again.

But two centers down didn’t stop them from winning.

No Joel Embiid, no Andre Drummond? No problem for the Sixers

The Spurs gave it their all in Philadelphia on Monday, but costly turnovers sealed their fate in a 111-106 loss to the 76ers. It was a close one, but the turnover bug bit again, with the Spurs committing 19 of them throughout the game.

Even in the loss, though, there were plenty of bright spots. Wembanyama showed why the hype is real, stuffing the stat sheet with 19 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and an impressive eight blocks. He hit 6-of-13 from deep but had five turnovers that added to the team’s overall issues. Then there’s Stephon Castle, who had a stellar shooting night, scoring 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting, with three rebounds, an assist, and a steal.

Despite those strong performances, the Spurs couldn’t escape their turnover woes. Chris Paul added four, while Julian Champagnie chipped in three—though he did have five threes on 10 attempts, which was solid.

On the bright side, the Spurs hit 15-of-45 from three, which is a work in progress, but at least they’re trending up. And they’re free-throw shooting? Spot on, with a 17-for-18 mark.

Tyrese Maxey went off for 32 points, 10 rebounds, and five threes for Philly, proving to be the difference in this one. The Spurs fought hard in the fourth quarter, with Champagnie hitting some key jumpers and Chris Paul draining a three to give San Antonio a 95-94 lead. But Maxey wasn’t having it.

Maxey really stepped up when it counted! He snagged a steal and threw down an awesome lefty dunk for an and-one, bringing the Sixers back into the lead. Although he missed the free throw, Guerschon Yabusele came in strong with a big offensive rebound. Maxey then hit a fantastic step-back three over Jeremy Sochan to extend the lead. But that’s not all—he also grabbed an important defensive rebound off Paul’s miss, helping Philly secure the win!

Maxey’s clutch plays down the stretch was huge, pushing the Sixers over the finish line in a dramatic win. Now, they’ll head to Boston for a Christmas showdown with the Celtics. Talk about a unique finish to a wild game!