PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers have had at least one representative in the All-Star game every year since 2018. That is when Joel Embiid made his first All-Star game and then Tyrese Maxey joined him in the All-Star ranks in 2024.

The closing minutes turned into an offensive duel between Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers’ All-Star snub, and Nikola Jokić, the Denver Nuggets’ three-time MVP. And Jokić’s scoring and playmaking — including a crucial floater with 12.

The Sixers and Nuggets last met 10 days ago in Denver, and the Nuggets delivered a thumping 144-109 victory. Maxey led the Sixers with 28 points, 10 assists, and two rebounds. Nikola Jokic played at a high level with a team-high 27 points, 10 assists, and 13 rebounds.