Tyrese Maxey showcased his scoring prowess with an impressive 42-point performance, leading the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers (22-9) to a hard-fought 131-127 victory over the Houston Rockets (15-15) on Friday night.
Missing key players Joel Embiid and Nicolas Batum, the 76ers relied on Maxey’s stellar play, while Tobias Harris contributed 22 points, securing Philadelphia’s fourth win in five games and handing the Rockets their third consecutive loss.
Houston’s Fred VanVleet led the charge with a double-double, recording 33 points and 10 rebounds. Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun added 31 and 28 points, respectively, in a competitive matchup.
De’Anthony Melton’s crucial driving layup, coupled with Marcus Morris’s clutch 3-pointer, secured a late lead for the 76ers, extending it to 127-122 with just 30 seconds remaining.
Green’s late 3-pointer brought the Rockets within two, but intentional fouls and free throws from Melton kept the 76ers ahead. Jock Landale’s missed layup sealed Houston’s fate, and Morris’s free throw ensured the 76ers’ victory.
The Rockets, missing key players Dillon Brooks and Jabari Smith Jr. due to injuries, faced a tough challenge against Maxey’s offensive onslaught.
