Sixers Defeat Charlotte, Climb Eastern Conference Rankings
The Philadelphia 76ers rallied from a 15-point hole to win in Charlotte. The final score was 118-114.
Game impact on standings
The victory gave the Sixers the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Hornets. Philadelphia is now tied with Atlanta for sixth in the Eastern Conference.
They sit half a game behind the fifth seed. The result helped the Sixers climb the Eastern Conference rankings.
Tyrese Maxey’s return
Tyrese Maxey returned after a three-week absence caused by a right little-finger injury. He struggled with the same finger last season.
Maxey began hot, going 6-for-8 in the first half with three triples. He finished with 26 points, 10-for-18 shooting, seven rebounds and eight assists.
His left-handed dunk over Miles Bridges energized teammates. They mimicked the little-finger celebration after the play.
Offensive glass and adjustments
Charlotte shot well from distance and matched the Sixers through the first half. Each team made 10 three-pointers before halftime.
The Sixers shot 52.5 percent in the opening half versus the Hornets’ 48 percent. Still, Charlotte created extra possessions.
The Hornets grabbed 10 offensive rebounds in the first half and converted 11 second-chance points. Philadelphia managed only three offensive boards and two second-chance points in that span.
By the end of the third quarter, Charlotte had 20 offensive rebounds. Moussa Diabaté hauled in seven offensive boards overall.
Coach Nick Nurse countered by inserting Andre Drummond for Adem Bona late. The move added size and helped hold Charlotte to zero offensive rebounds in the fourth.
Closing sequence and key plays
Several stars made decisive plays down the stretch. Joel Embiid blocked a Brandon Miller three with under 10 seconds remaining.
Paul George drilled a corner three that put Philadelphia ahead for good. Maxey added a free throw to extend the margin.
VJ Edgecombe denied a final offensive rebound opportunity from Diabaté on the last possession. Kelly Oubre Jr. returned from a two-week elbow absence and provided bench depth.
Notes from the locker room
Players emphasized the value of health late in the season. Maxey said being available can be the difference in tight games.
Filmogaz.com covered the game and the standings implications for the Sixers after this win.
