Player grades: Tyrese Maxey, Sixers knock off Raptors to end skid

PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia 76ers returned home on Saturday to host the Toronto Raptors, aiming to snap a two-game losing streak. Sporting their 2001 throwback uniforms and court, the Sixers were also looking to start their back-to-back games on a high note against a pesky Raptors squad.

Toronto posed challenges at times during the contest, but led by the stellar play of Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia secured a 130-120 victory to get back in the win column. Maxey delivered a dominant performance with 31 points, seven assists, and four rebounds to lead the Sixers to a much-needed win and renewed confidence.

Joel Embiid added 29 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Trendon Watford posted a triple-double with 20 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists. Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in 19 points. Off the bench, Quentin Grimes scored 11 points, while VJ Edgecombe contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

Here are the player grades following Philadelphia’s win:

**Tyrese Maxey: A-minus**
The Raptors struggled to contain Maxey throughout the game. Numerous times, the star guard blew past defenders off the dribble and found ways to finish at the basket. He knocked down a couple of crucial three-pointers early to set the tone. Although Toronto managed to slow him down after his hot start, Maxey kept attacking and creating opportunities for himself and teammates. His quickness and sound decision-making led to easy baskets, making him a constant threat.

**VJ Edgecombe: B-minus**
Toronto focused significant defensive attention on Edgecombe to limit his impact, and he initially struggled with this pressure. However, he showed maturity by attacking the glass and finding ways to contribute positively. Edgecombe had several highlight-worthy moments and made some clutch shots down the stretch to provide an offensive spark for the Sixers.

**Kelly Oubre Jr.: B-plus**
Oubre has been a consistent contributor for Philadelphia this season, and he continued that trend in this game. He attacked the basket aggressively, finishing with some acrobatic moves over Toronto’s defenders. Although his three-point shooting faltered, Oubre was efficient inside the paint and helped the Sixers maintain offensive rhythm throughout the game.

**Trendon Watford: A-plus**
Starting in this game, Watford made an immediate impact by doing many of the little things that help teams win in the NBA. He made hustle plays, took on ball-handling duties, ran the offense effectively from the power forward position, and crashed the boards. Watford was highly efficient offensively, made smart post plays, and contributed defensively. As he continues to develop, he will be an invaluable asset for the Sixers.

**Joel Embiid: A-minus**
The Raptors chose to go small to start the game, defending Embiid with the likes of Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. Embiid capitalized on this by utilizing his size, strength, and soft touch around the basket for easy scoring opportunities. Although he missed open three-point attempts and the defense had some lapses leading to easy Toronto buckets, Embiid was mostly a force in the paint. He also made intelligent passing plays when doubled. Overall, Embiid had another efficient offensive night but showed occasional defensive struggles—a mixed yet encouraging performance as he works toward regaining full form.

**Quentin Grimes: B-minus**
Needing momentum in the second quarter, the Sixers got a timely boost from Grimes. With Toronto holding a double-digit lead, Grimes knocked down a couple of crucial triples to shift momentum in Philadelphia’s favor. The bench unit had its ups and downs overall, but Grimes delivered key moments that helped spark the team.

**Andre Drummond: B-plus**
Philadelphia relied on Drummond in the first half, where he pulled down rebounds and moved well defensively. Called upon again in the second half, the veteran delivered important defensive plays and scored after battling inside with the Raptors. Drummond continues to make a strong case as Philadelphia’s primary backup big man.

**Justin Edwards: C-minus**
The second-year guard showed some defensive promise but committed a turnover early in his minutes that led to a Raptors bucket. He did contribute on offense with a corner three-pointer in the second half to help keep the Sixers’ scoring momentum alive.

**Jabari Walker: C-plus**
Walker continues to play within his role, focusing on team-first basketball. While his three-point shot is yet to fall consistently, Philadelphia will maintain confidence in him and provide minutes to help him find his rhythm.

**Adem Bona: D-plus**
Bona’s initial minutes included an offensive foul and some defensive lapses. He showed aggression on the glass, which is a positive, but overall, it was a tough night for the young big man.

The 76ers’ victory over the Raptors marked a positive step in ending their skid and building momentum as they continue their season. With strong performances from Maxey, Watford, and Embiid, Philadelphia has reasons to feel optimistic moving forward.
https://sixerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/sixers/2025/11/08/player-grades-tyrese-maxey-sixers-knock-off-raptors-to-end-skid/87175817007/

Stephen A. Smith blasts Blue Jays’ Addison Barger for World Series Game 6 blunder

The Toronto Blue Jays experienced one of the most heartbreaking losses in World Series history in Game 6 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In the top of the ninth inning, Toronto began mounting a rally. A hit-by-pitch followed by a ground-rule double put runners on second and third with no outs. The Dodgers responded by sending in starter Tyler Glasnow to relieve their pitcher, trying to quell the threat.

With runners in scoring position and no outs, the Blue Jays were in a prime position to at least tie the game. After Ernie Clement hit a first-pitch flyout, the resilient George Springer was expected to come to the plate following Andres Gimenez. However, Springer never got the chance to take his fifth at-bat.

Gimenez hit a soft line drive straight to Kike Hernandez in left field, recording the second out. But in a stunning turn of events, Hernandez noticed Blue Jays hitter Addison Barger had strayed too far off second base. Hernandez and second baseman Miguel Rojas executed a perfectly synchronized double play, tagging out Barger to end the game.

This costly “Little League” error might have wasted Toronto’s golden opportunity to close out the Dodgers once and for all.

Media personality Stephen A. Smith didn’t hold back in criticizing Barger and the Blue Jays for the mistake. Posting on X, Smith said:
“Great game in the World Series Dodgers win 3-1. Barber for the @BlueJays picked off at 2nd after a line drive to left. Here’s my thing: How in the hell do you get picked off on a line drive. Message: Little League teaches you. A runner on 2nd Base FREEZES on line drives. Baseball 101. But great pick off by KiKe Hernandez!”

With the victory, the Dodgers have forced a decisive Game 7 in the 2025 World Series. Despite the Blue Jays maintaining home-field advantage, the Dodgers now carry all the momentum after that clutch defensive play.

Max Scherzer is the likely Game 7 starter for Toronto. Meanwhile, Los Angeles’ pitching plans appear to be in flux. Glasnow’s surprise relief appearance late in Game 6 could affect his availability, though he still may pitch given his limited workload. Additionally, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts hasn’t ruled out a potential start from Shohei Ohtani in the final game.

The stage is set for an epic showdown to decide the championship. Baseball fans can only wait and see who will rise to the occasion in Game 7.
https://clutchpoints.com/mlb/toronto-blue-jays/blue-jays-news-stephen-a-smith-blasts-addison-barger-world-series-blunder