Sixers-Spurs takeaways: Tyrese Maxey saves the day, Victor Wembanyama's presence

On this night, Tyrese Maxey was the 76ers’ savior. Victor Wembanyama is a legitimate rim protector. And Caleb Martin showed why he was one of the Sixers’ most valued free-agent acquisitions. Those three things stood out in the Sixers’ 111-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday at the Wells Fargo Center.

Maxey's performance

Joel Embiid was ejected late in the second quarter after receiving two unsportsmanlike technical fouls while arguing an offensive foul call. Maxey picked up the slack, scoring 21 of his game-high 32 points after the intermission.

That included Maxey scoring six straight points in the final minute of the game. He ended up shooting 8-for-15 – including making 4 of 7 three-pointers – along with five rebounds, five assists, and two steals in the second half.

Wembanyama the shot blocker

As a rookie last season, the 7-foot-4 center was the league’s Defensive Player of the Year runner-up. However, he has to be this season’s overwhelming favorite to win the award.

Wembanyama headed into Monday’s game with four contests with at least seven blocks. He recorded a season-high 10 blocks Saturday against the Trail Blazers. He came close to tying that feat versus the Sixers. Wembanyama finished with eight blocks and altered several other shots. Five of his blocks came in the first quarter.

Martin's breakout game

Martin was arguably the Sixers’ biggest offseason addition not named Paul George. The forward was expected to add sharpshooting, solid defense, and make unheralded winning plays. But injuries have limited his production so far this season.

Now healthy, Martin showed what he could do against San Antonio. He finished with 12 points on 4-for-8 shooting – including making 3 of 5 three-pointers – to go with five rebounds, one steal, and one block in 27 minutes off the bench for the Sixers.