The Philadelphia 76ers improved to 2–0 after a 125–121 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena, led by Tyrese Maxey, Quentin Grimes, and Joel Embiid, who combined for 72 points.
Maxey carried the scoring load with 28 points and nine assists, continuing his strong start to the season. Grimes added 24 points off the bench, including a go-ahead three-pointer with 14 seconds left that broke a 121–121 tie.
Embiid contributed 20 points and three triples in 20 minutes, showing improved rhythm after a slow opener in Boston. The 2023 MVP added four assists and hit several timely shots before exiting due to a minutes restriction.
Philadelphia trailed by 10 at the end of the third quarter but dominated the final frame, outscoring Charlotte 38–24. Maxey’s aggression in transition and Grimes’ shooting turned the tide as the Sixers rallied without their star center on the floor.
VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, followed up his 34-point debut with 15 points, six rebounds, and eight assists. His chemistry with Maxey in the backcourt continued to shine as Philadelphia shot 47.1 percent from the field and 46.2 percent from three-point range.
Charlotte, meanwhile, was forced to adjust after losing Brandon Miller early in the second quarter to a left shoulder injury. The second-year forward scored four points in nine minutes before leaving the game and did not return.
LaMelo Ball paced the Hornets with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Collin Sexton added 21 points and seven assists, while Miles Bridges posted 18 points and nine boards. The Hornets led for most of the night before late turnovers proved costly.
Philadelphia’s balanced attack and late-game poise secured its second straight win to open the season. The Sixers also improved to 1–0 at home behind a strong crowd that erupted after Grimes’ decisive three-pointer.
The Hornets dropped to 1–1 and will face the Washington Wizards on Sunday, while the 76ers continue their homestand Monday against the Orlando Magic.
