Tyrese Maxey Returns as Philadelphia’s Big 3 Debuts in 110-104 Victory Over Hornets

Tyrese Maxey returns to the hardwood, scoring 21 points to help Joel Embiid and Paul George secure a 110-104 win against the Charlotte Hornets.

Tyrese Maxey returns to the starting lineup after a six-game absence to record 21 points, five rebounds, and two assists in 37 minutes of action. The Philadelphia 76ers secured a 110-104 victory at the Spectrum Center, marking the first time Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George shared the floor in a regular-season contest. Embiid dominated the interior with 32 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 11-of-21 from the field while converting 9-of-10 free-throw attempts. George contributed 15 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, logging 33 minutes to stabilize the perimeter offense during the road win.

Philadelphia entered the fourth quarter trailing 82-79 before orchestrating a 31-22 scoring run in the final 12 minutes. The 76ers' defense limited Charlotte to 38.5% shooting from the floor throughout the evening, forcing 14 turnovers that led to 18 transition points. Kelly Oubre Jr. provided a spark off the bench with 14 points, including a critical three-pointer at the 4:12 mark of the final period. This win improves the team's record and snaps a losing streak that coincided with the roster's previous health struggles.

Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball led the opposing effort with 25 points and nine assists, though he shot just 8-of-22 from the field. Brandon Miller added 22 points and seven rebounds, hitting four shots from beyond the arc to keep the game within a single possession for most of the second half. The Hornets out-rebounded the visitors 48-44, yet they struggled to contain the 76ers' primary trio in isolation sets. Grant Williams chipped in 12 points and eight boards, but his efforts were negated by Philadelphia's 52% shooting accuracy in the paint.

The 76ers' offensive efficiency peaked during the third quarter when they shot 60% as a unit. Maxey’s speed was evident on a fast-break layup at the 8:45 mark, which gave Philadelphia its first lead since the opening frame. Andre Drummond provided 10 minutes of relief for Embiid, grabbing six rebounds and blocking two shots to maintain the defensive intensity. The team finished with 24 total assists, demonstrating improved ball movement with their full complement of All-Star talent available for the first time this season.

Defensively, the 76ers recorded eight blocks and seven steals, disrupting the Hornets' rhythm in the half-court. Caleb Martin logged 28 minutes against his former team, contributing seven points and disciplined perimeter defense against Miller. The game saw 12 lead changes and nine ties, illustrating the competitive nature of the Eastern Conference matchup. Philadelphia’s ability to close the game resulted from a 10-2 run in the final three minutes, sparked by an Embiid mid-range jumper and a Maxey floater.

This performance validates the front office's strategy of pairing three high-usage scorers. The 76ers converted 22-of-26 free throws, a 84.6% success rate that proved vital in a six-point game. Charlotte attempted 35 three-pointers but only converted 11, a 31.4% clip that hindered their ability to maintain the lead late in the fourth. With the roster now at full strength, the coaching staff utilized a nine-man rotation to manage player workloads while securing a necessary conference win.