3 biggest takeaways for Sixers following NBA Cup loss to Magic

3 biggest takeaways for Sixers following NBA Cup loss to MagicStory byKy Carlin, Sixers WireWed, November 26, 2025 at 12:05 PM UTC·3 min read

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers got back at it on Tuesday night looking to bounce back and get back in the win column as they hosted the Orlando Magic in the NBA Cup. The short-handed Sixers have shown off a lot of resilience, but didn't have it on Tuesday in a 144-103 loss to the Magic. Orlando out scored Philadelphia 51-25 in the second quarter and led by as many as 46 on the night.

Tyrese Maxey had 20 points and four assists for Philadelphia, Jared McCain had 15 points off the bench, and Justin Edwards added 13 points. Trendon Watford had eight points before leaving with an injury, Dominick Barlow had 11 and five rebounds, and Andre Drummond had three and 12 rebounds. Eric Gordon added 10 points.

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Here are the three biggest takeaways following the loss:

Unable to fight back

Nov 25, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) dribbles the ball against the Orlando Magic] during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

A trademark of the 2025-26 Sixers has been their ability to dig deep and rally from any deficit they find themselves in. That wasn't the case against the Magic as Orlando's lead swelled on nearly every possession. The Magic had nine players score in double-figures including 31 points from Anthony Black off the bench and 21 points from Franz Wagner on the night. The Sixers just could not build any type of momentum on this night and it was uncharacteristic of this group.

"I think today was one of those games in the NBA where, like, nothing really goes your way and everything goes their way," Maxey explained. "I think it was a shot that (Jett) Howard may have hit the top of the backboard and rolled around and it dropped in. It's like, it's just one of them days, but it happens."

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Injuries piling up

CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY - SEPTEMBER 26: Trendon Watford #12 of the Philadelphia 76ers poses for a portrait during media day at 76ers Training Complex on September 26, 2025 in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)

As the Sixers move forward, they have to find a way to dig deep with guys sidelined. While they entered the contest without Joel Embiid, Paul George, Kelly Oubre Jr., and VJ Edgecombe, they ended up losing Watford in the first half to a left adductor injury. Watford was off to a good start as he had eight points in 10 minutes on 2-for-2 shooting and 4-for-4 shooting from the foul line. The Sixers needed that spark and he brought it to the group. They missed him against the Magic, but coach Nick Nurse is hoping his team won't have many more injury issues going forward.

"Well, I'm obviously concerned," Nurse said. "I mean, we need our guys. No doubt about it. It puts us in a tough situation, but like I said, pregame, hopefully a couple of those guys will be coming back by Friday. Hopefully, Trendon is not too bad. Hopefully, we get a few guys to get back and get going."

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McCain is continuing to find his rhythm

Nov 25, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Jared McCain (20) and Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) battle for a loose ball during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

This is another game in which McCain was able to take a step forward. He had 15 points on 6-for-13 shooting and shot 2-for-5 from deep. He had a couple of others just trickle out on a few drives to the basket, but either way, he continues to take steps forward and that's a good sign for the Sixers. Maxey has been a guy who has been in his corner making sure he has the confidence to do his thing on a nightly basis, so he is happy to see his young teammate grow.

"Yeah, he was solid," Maxey said of McCain. "He was solid. He shot the ball well. I think he played more confident, like, as far as just like trying to get downhill, and body was moving, I think, better. So I think that was good."

This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: 3 biggest takeaways for Sixers following NBA Cup loss to Magic

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