Game Recap: 76ers Vs Pelicans — Pelicans 126, 76ers 111 in 76ers vs pelicans upset
The 76ers vs pelicans matchup ended in an upset, with the New Orleans Pelicans beating Philadelphia and prompting a short, sharp reality check from Tyrese Maxey. The loss leaves the 76ers on a four-game slide and raises questions about their consistency as the playoff stretch nears.
Tyrese Maxey’s message after 76ers Vs Pelicans upset
Tyrese Maxey delivered a clear message to his Philadelphia teammates after the upset loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night. Maxey, who is halfway through the sixth season of his NBA career with the 76ers, said the club must control momentum from start to finish and manage the game’s ups and downs.
He emphasized collective responsibility—"only US can climb ourselves out of it"—and stressed that the group must stick together through "the highs, through the lows, through the peaks, through the valleys. " Maxey noted the team played a really good half, began the third quarter well, but then allowed a string of long-range makes that swung the momentum and proved difficult to reverse.
Stat line: Maxey’s 27 points and the four double-digit scorers
Four players scored in double digits for Philadelphia in the loss. Maxey led the way with 27 points, seven assists, five steals and three rebounds, shooting 9-of-23 from the field, 2-of-11 from three-point range and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. Kelly Oubre Jr. finished with 25 points and five rebounds. VJ Edgecombe had 14 points and five rebounds, while Quentin Grimes provided 11 points and three assists.
Standings impact: 30-26 record, sixth in the East amid a skid
Philadelphia improved to a 30-26 record on the season despite the loss, sitting in the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. The 76ers remain above the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic in the standings, but trail the Toronto Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The defeat extended the franchise’s losing streak to four consecutive games.
Momentum swings and what Maxey pinpointed
Maxey traced the defeat to a momentum swing late in the third quarter: after a strong first half and a good start to the second half, the Pelicans connected on a series of long shots—"those bombs"—that put Philadelphia behind. He said the team tried to swing momentum back but ultimately left themselves with too much ground to make up.
That focus on in-game momentum was framed as a broader concern: Maxey said only the team can dig itself out of the hole, underscoring an internal accountability theme for the 76ers moving forward.
Next steps: road game in Minnesota on Feb. 22 at 7 p. m. ET and surrounding fallout
The 76ers remain on the road for their next matchup, traveling to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Feb. 22 at 7 p. m. ET. While Maxey and the 76ers are expected to remain active in the playoff picture this season, the latest loss leaves questions for the roster and coaching staff to answer.
Commentary and reaction have already emerged: Nick Nurse broke down where the 76ers went wrong versus the Pelicans, and some 76ers fans have demanded Daryl Morey’s job after the ugly loss.
