3 biggest takeaways for Sixers following big road win over Pacers

The Philadelphia 76ers handled their business on Friday as they took care of the lowly Indiana Pacers 105-94. The win gave Philadelphia a season sweep of the Pacers and it also keeps the Sixers alive in the hunt for a guaranteed playoff spot heading into the season finale on Sunday.

Tyrese Maxey had 32 points, seven rebounds, and five assists for Philadelphia, Kelly Oubre Jr. had 15 points, seven rebounds, and four steals, Paul George had 21 points and five rebounds, and VJ Edgecombe had 16 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Andre Drummond hopped off the bench and had 10 points and 16 rebounds.

Here are the three biggest takeaways following the win over the Pacers:

Maxey’s shooting struggles

Yes, the All-Star scored 32 points as he was able to find ways to get to the basket, but he shot just 1-for-10 from deep and is 16-for-52 (30%) from 3-point range since his return from a right finger tendon strain injury. Sure, shooting struggles come and go in this league. It happens all the time. However, one has to wonder if that right pinky is bothering him down the stretch here. The Sixers will need him to be much better in that respect as they head into the season finale and into postseason play after Sunday.

Drummond gives a boost

The 14-year veteran entered the contest and did what he does best which is attack the glass and provide the type of impact he has become known for in his career. He was huge against the Pacers on Friday with his ability to finish around the basket, his rebounding, and he was terrific defensively as well. His size made a big difference against Indiana’s tandem of Micah Potter and Jay Huff and the Sixers probably don’t win this game without him.

Strong wing play

The performances of Oubre and George in this one were terrific. George was great on both ends and gave the Sixers a big boost with his offensive play. He was getting to his spots and rising to the occasion with Philadelphia needing a win in the worst way in terms of the standings and building momentum heading into postseason play at this stage of the season. Then, there’s the play of Oubre who was a defensive menace all night long for Philadelphia. He bothered the Pacers on the perimeter and had a lot of success in the paint against an Indiana team that has struggled defensively all year.

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 3 biggest takeaways for Sixers following big road win over Pacers