At a Glance
- Philadelphia 76ers edge the Houston Rockets 128-122 in overtime.
- Tyrese Maxey scores 36 points and 10 assists; Joel Embiid posts a triple-double.
- Rockets star Kevin Durant also scores 36.
- Why it matters: The win keeps the Sixers in playoff contention and showcases a resilient roster amid roster changes.
The Philadelphia 76ers outlasted the Houston Rockets in a high-scoring overtime thriller on Thursday night, securing a 128-122 victory that kept them firmly in the playoff race. With the win, Philadelphia sits at 24-19 while Houston is 26-16. Tyrese Maxey poured in 36 points and 10 assists, while Joel Embiid added a triple-double with 32 points, a season-best 15 rebounds, and 10 assists in a season-high 46 minutes.
Key Performances
- Tyrese Maxey – 36 points, 10 assists
- Joel Embiid – 32 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists (triple-double)
- Kelly Oubre Jr. – 26 points
- Kevin Durant – 36 points for Houston
- Paul George – returned after missing two games, added 15 points
The Sixers played a full-strength lineup, while the Rockets were without Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, and Aaron Holiday. The absence of these key players gave Philadelphia a boost, but the Rockets still managed to keep the game close until the final minutes.
Game Flow
The game began with a sluggish start for Philadelphia. Maxey missed his first four field-goal attempts, and the Rockets seized a 19-12 lead early. Oubre, however, opened the scoring for the Sixers with a quick fast-break three and a driving layup, cutting the deficit to 34-32 with 20.5 seconds left in the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Embiid and George returned to the court, but George’s stint was short-lived after drawing a foul just 59 seconds in. Trendon Watford replaced him and helped the Sixers take a 44-39 lead with an and-one slam.
The Rockets’ Kevin Durant and Embiid both settled into their usual scoring rhythms. Embiid’s nine free-throw attempts in the first half and his dominant play against Rockets center Alperen Sengun helped keep the Sixers ahead. Maxey’s transition play, highlighted by a left-handed dunk on Jabari Smith Jr., kept the momentum on Philadelphia’s side.
Key Moments
- Third quarter: Oubre fouled for the third time early, but the Sixers extended their advantage to 88-79 with a wide-open three.
- Fourth quarter: Houston exploded with a 12-0 run, but Embiid’s defensive play and Maxey’s fast-break layup cut the lead to 110-108.
- Regulation end: A controversial play saw Maxey’s layup blocked but not called goaltend, leading to a jump ball that the Sixers won.
- Overtime: Paul George opened the extra period with a long-range jumper and a decisive block on Sengun, setting up an Oubre fast-break layup that gave the Sixers a 124-120 lead.
The overtime was relatively calm after the early surge. The Sixers capitalized on the Rockets’ mistakes and finished the game with a hard-working victory.
Looking Ahead
The Sixers will close their six-game homestand on Saturday afternoon against the New York Knicks. With a roster that has recently added Paul George and is missing key players from Houston, the team’s resilience will be tested in the coming weeks.
Kelly Oubre’s consistent shooting from beyond the arc-16-for-30 from three over his last six games-shows he can remain a reliable scoring option. Maxey’s ability to lead the team in points and assists underscores his importance as the team’s playmaker.
The Rockets, meanwhile, will look to regain momentum after a tough loss that highlighted their struggles without key contributors.
Key Takeaways
- Philadelphia’s depth and resilience kept them in the playoff hunt.
- Maxey’s 36 points and 10 assists were pivotal.
- Embiid’s triple-double demonstrated his all-around impact.
- The Rockets will need to address roster gaps to stay competitive.
Final Thoughts
The 128-122 overtime win against the Rockets demonstrates the Sixers’ ability to stay competitive in high-pressure situations. With the playoffs approaching, Philadelphia’s performance will be crucial as they continue to chase a top seed in the Eastern Conference.
