76ers Vs Pelicans: Pelicans 126-111 76ers (Feb 21, 2026) — Maxey Issues Stark Reality Check After Fourth Straight Loss
The 76ers vs pelicans matchup on Feb. 21, 2026 ended in a startling upset as the New Orleans Pelicans beat the Philadelphia 76ers 126-111. The loss extends Philadelphia's skid to four consecutive defeats and prompted a blunt postgame reaction from Tyrese Maxey, who warned the team about controlling momentum and digging themselves out of self-made holes.
76ers Vs Pelicans: Game snapshot
The final score was Pelicans 126, 76ers 111 in the game recap dated Feb. 21, 2026. The result is framed in recent commentary as an upset loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, a team described in pregame notes as the lowly Pelicans. The defeat marks the fourth straight loss for Philadelphia in a stretch flagged by concerns over consistency and vulnerability to upsets.
Tyrese Maxey's postgame reality check
Tyrese Maxey, who is halfway through the sixth season of his NBA career with the 76ers, reflected on the loss in postgame remarks carried in recent coverage. Maxey emphasized that the team must control momentum from start to finish and manage the contest through highs and lows. He stressed that only the players themselves can climb out of the hole they create, highlighting shared responsibility and the need to respond collectively when momentum swings against them.
Stat line and scoring breakdown
Four players scored in double digits for Philadelphia in the loss, including Maxey. Maxey finished with 27 points, seven assists, five steals, and three rebounds while shooting 9-of-23 from the field, 2-of-11 from beyond the arc, and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. Kelly Oubre Jr. led the chasing efforts with 25 points and five rebounds. VJ Edgecombe contributed 14 points and five rebounds, and Quentin Grimes added 11 points and three assists.
Standings impact and context
Philadelphia improved to a 30-26 record on the season despite the loss, holding the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They sit above the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic while trailing the Toronto Raptors and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the current pecking order. The slide to a fourth straight loss raises questions about the 76ers' ability to sustain their status as stable playoff contenders when confronted with sudden momentum swings.
What’s next: Road test at Minnesota
Going through four consecutive losses, the 76ers will look to return to the win column in their next matchup. They remain on the road when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Feb. 22 at 7 p. m. ET. The upcoming game represents an immediate chance for Philadelphia to address the issues Maxey highlighted and halt the skid before standings and seeding pressures increase.
Takeaways and forward look
The loss to the Pelicans and Maxey's candid reaction underline two recurring themes: the team's vulnerability to upset losses and the internal belief that only the roster can correct course. With four straight defeats and a tough road test next, the 76ers face a narrow window to stabilize their play and reinforce the momentum control Maxey called for. Recent updates indicate this is a developing situation and details may evolve as the team prepares for the Timberwolves matchup.
