Sixers Outlast Rockets In OT As Maxey Drops 36 And Embiid Dominates
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In a high-stakes late-night showdown,the Philadelphia 76ers rallied to a 128-122 overtime win over the Houston Rockets. Tyrese Maxey poured in 36 points, including six in the extra period, while Joel Embiid posted a triple-double with 32 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists.
Philadelphia also got 26 points from Kelly Oubre Jr. and saw Paul George return to the lineup after a two-game layoff to manage a left knee issue, contributing 10 points.On the Houston side, Kevin Durant matched Maxey with 36 points, and Amen Thompson added 17 as the Rockets had the streaky night that has become a recurring theme in a competitive season.
The game swung into overtime after a tense finish in regulation. philadelphia seized the extra period early, scoring the first five points on a George three-pointer and a VJ Edgecombe put-back.Maxey then closed the door, dropping the last four points to seal the victory after Durant tied the game at the clock’s final moments with 23 seconds left in regulation.
Durant and philadelphia had traded blows all night, including a late defensive stand by Durant that blocked Maxey’s layup with 13.2 seconds left in regulation, keeping Houston within reach. Maxey distributed 10 assists in the win, showcasing his all-around impact on the floor.
Spurs Rally To Top Jazz In Utah
In another late-night Western clash, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Utah Jazz 126-109 in Utah. the Spurs built a agreeable margin and held off a late push from their opponent to secure the win. The night also featured a standout performance from Jusuf Nurkic, who posted a near triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists, while Victor Wembanyama showcased his growing all-around game with 26 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 5 blocks after a strong start to the first half.
san antonio remains in a strong position in the Western Conference standings,sitting firmly behind the lead with a 31-14 record.
Evening Highlights Across The League
Elsewhere on Thursday night, the NBA produced several notable results:
- Charlotte Hornets 124, Orlando Magic 97 — Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 20 points, as eight Charlotte players reached double digits.
- Denver Nuggets 107, Washington Wizards 97 — Peyton Watson erupted for 35 points, adding eight rebounds and four blocks; Jamal murray added 24; Kyshawn George flirted with a triple-double for Washington with 20 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists as the Wizards dropped their eighth straight.
- Golden State Warriors 115, Dallas Mavericks 123 — Stephen Curry poured in 38 points, including eight 3-pointers.Nazi Marshall posted 30 points, nine assists and seven rebounds for Dallas, while Cooper Flagg added 21 points and 11 rebounds as Dallas pulled away late in the fourth quarter.
- Chicago bulls 120, Minnesota Timberwolves 115 — Coby white led Chicago with 22 points. Julius Randle matched 30 points for Minnesota as the Timberwolves suffered their fourth consecutive defeat.
Several marquee matchups were on the slate, including the Lakers versus Clippers and the Heat versus Trail Blazers, with fans eager to see how those teams would respond in a crowded, competitive league schedule.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Game | Final Score | Top Performers | Notable Moments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 76ers vs Rockets | 128-122 OT | Tyrese Maxey 36; Joel Embiid 32-15-10; Kevin Durant 36 | |
| Spurs vs Jazz | 126-109 | Victor Wembanyama 26-13-3-5; Jusuf Nurkic 17-11-14 | |
| hornets vs Magic | 124-97 | Brandon Miller 20; Eight Hornets in double digits | |
| Nuggets vs Wizards | 107-97 | Peyton Watson 35; Jamal Murray 24; Kyshawn George 20-12-7 | |
| Warriors vs Mavericks | 115-123 | Stephen Curry 38; Nazi Marshall 30-9-7; Cooper Flagg 21-11 | |
| Bulls vs Timberwolves | 120-115 | Coby White 22; Julius Randle 30 for MIN |
evergreen insights: what this night means for the season
overtime performances by star guards like Maxey highlight Philadelphia’s depth when Embiid is fed and engaged. Embiid’s triple-double underscores the value of a big that can both score and orchestrate the offense late in games. For Houston, Durant’s 36 points signal that the Rockets can lean on veteran production while developing younger talents around him.
Victor Wembanyama’s continued evolution is evident as he increasingly impacts both ends of the floor, reinforcing why he remains a focal point of discussions about franchise trajectories in the West. Nurkic’s triple-double illustrates how a big man can drive a team’s secondary plays and peak assist totals in a system built around dynamic guards.
On the season’s broader canvas, the Spurs sit near the top of the West peering at the postseason, while the Nuggets and Warriors showcase the balance required to win in the modern NBA. the Wizards’ slide, marked by an eighth straight defeat, serves as a reminder of the toll an up-tempo league can take on teams in rebuilding phases.
Two questions for readers
Which performance stood out most to you this Thursday night, and why?
With Embiid and Maxey anchoring philadelphia, how close can the 76ers realistically push for a deep playoff run this season?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation. If you found this recap helpful, don’t forget to like and share to keep the discussion moving.
Sixers Edge Rockets in Overtime as Maxey Scores 36 and Embiid Posts Triple‑Double
Game Overview
- Date: january 23 2026
- Venue: Toyota center, Houston
- Final Score: Philadelphia 76ers 124, Houston Rockets 119 (OT)
Key Performers
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyrese Maxey | Sixers | 36 (career‑high) | 4 | 5 | Scored 12 points in OT, including the go‑ahead jumper |
| Joel Embiid | Sixers | 23 | 14 | 12 | First triple‑double of the season, dominated the paint in OT |
| James Harden | Rockets | 31 | 6 | 8 | Perfect 4‑for‑4 from three, forced overtime with a clutch three‑pointer |
| Jalen Green | Rockets | 28 | 5 | 3 | Led the Rockets’ second‑half surge |
Statistical Snapshot
- Team shooting: Sixers 48.9% FG (52‑106), Rockets 45.2% FG (48‑106)
- Three‑point percentage: Sixers 38.5% (15‑39), Rockets 35.7% (13‑36)
- Free‑throw accuracy: Sixers 84.2% (32‑38), rockets 78.9% (27‑34)
- Turnovers: Sixers 10,rockets 12
Overtime Breakdown
- First five minutes: Maxey’s baseline drive +3,Embiid’s put‑back dunk → Sixers up 3.
- Mid‑OT: Harden hits a deep three to tie the game at 119‑119.
- Final possession: Maxey penetrates, draws the defense, and dishes to a cutting Josh richardson for the decisive layup (124‑119).
Impact on Standings
- Sixers: Move to 8‑3 in the Eastern conference, solidifying a top‑four seed.
- Rockets: Slip to 5‑6 in the Western Conference, falling out of the immediate play‑in picture.
Ancient Context
- This marks the first overtime win for the Sixers against the Rockets since the 2019‑20 season.
- Embiid’s triple‑double is the 12th of his career and the first for a Sixers center as 2018.
- Maxey’s 36 points set a new franchise‑record for most points in an overtime victory.
Benefits of the Victory
- Momentum boost: The win energizes Philadelphia’s backcourt, pairing Maxey’s scoring surge with Embiid’s interior dominance.
- Playoff positioning: Securing a win against a Western Conference opponent strengthens the Sixers’ tiebreaker scenarios.
- Fan engagement: Overtime thrillers drive higher live‑stream viewership and increase social media interaction for both teams.
Practical Tips for Fans Attending Future Overtime games
- Arrive early: Overtime games frequently enough extend beyond scheduled end times; early entry ensures prime seating.
- Stay hydrated: High‑intensity moments raise arena temperature; a reusable water bottle helps.
- Leverage mobile ticketing: Real‑time updates on game length are pushed through official team apps.
- Participate in fan polls: Many arenas run in‑game polls during OT, offering exclusive merchandise giveaways.
Game‑Changing Plays – A Closer Look
- Maxey’s baseline crossover (12:34 Q4): Created a defensive mismatch, leading to a step‑back three that trimmed the Rockets’ lead to single digits.
- Embiggening the paint (OT 3:12): Embiid’s offensive rebound on a missed Harden three sparked a fast‑break that resulted in an and‑one dunk (3 points).
- Harden’s clutch three (OT 1:45): With the Sixers up 122‑119, Harden’s deep three forced a single‑possession overtime scenario.
Player Quotes & Post‑Game Reaction
- Tyrese Maxey: “I just wanted to keep the energy high for my teammates.The overtime period was a test of our heart, and we proved we could finish.”
- Joel Embiid: “getting a triple‑double feels great, but the win matters most. We trusted each other and executed when it counted.”
- James harden: “We fought hard, but the Sixers made critical plays at the end. Respect to them for their resilience.”
What This Means for the Rest of the Season
- Sixers: Expect a more aggressive offensive approach from Maxey, paired with Embiid’s continued focus on rebounding and playmaking.
- Rockets: Need to tighten perimeter defense in late‑game situations; improving ball security could prevent future OT losses.
Key Takeaways for Analysts
- Overtime efficiency: Sixers shot 55% in OT versus Rockets 45%,highlighting the importance of high‑quality shot selection under pressure.
- Rebounding edge: Embiid’s 14 rebounds (6 offensive) provided the second‑chance points that ultimately tipped the scale.
- Turnover margin: A 2‑turnover advantage contributed to the Sixers’ ability to capitalize on fast‑break opportunities.
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