Andre Drummond was also ejected and then allowed back into the game, and Blair said that happened because “after review it was determined that Drummond stepped on Wembanyama’s foot and it was deemed incidental contact.”

Fortunately for Embiid, his team still delivered a win.

He finished with nine points and three rebounds on 2-of-8 shooting from the field and 1-of-4 shooting from deep before the ejection, but Tyrese Maxey picked up the slack with 32 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals on 12-of-25 shooting from the field and 5-of-11 shooting from deep.

That was enough to overcome 26 points, nine rebounds, eight blocks and four assists from Wembanyama.

The Spurs star at least won the battle of the big men, but he would surely trade it for an actual victory in the game.

It was a much-needed win for Philadelphia, which improved to 10-17 on what has been a disappointing campaign. There is still plenty of time to turn things around, but it certainly isn’t battling at the top of the Eastern Conference like it hoped to be at the start of the season.

If Maxey continues to play like he did Monday and Embiid remains healthy and avoids more ejections, the 76ers still have the talent to move up the standings. Perhaps Monday’s win can be something of a turning point.