October 31, 2026 | Ethical Sports Takes
Tyrese Maxey delivered another outstanding performance Saturday evening, scoring 38 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, as the Philadelphia 76ers completed a dramatic comeback to defeat the Charlotte Hornets 109–104.
Playing without LeBron James and Joel Embiid, Philadelphia overcame a 13-point deficit and finished the game with a decisive late run to improve to 6–1.
First Quarter: Charlotte’s Offense Comes Alive
Philadelphia opened the contest looking to establish itself offensively, but Charlotte quickly found its rhythm.
The Hornets put together an 11–3 run to take a 21–15 lead, with Grayson Allen contributing five points during that stretch.
Charlotte continued to build its advantage behind its perimeter shooting and offensive execution. Philadelphia had difficulty slowing the Hornets, who carried a 37–27 lead into the second quarter.
Despite Maxey’s early scoring, the 76ers had work to do after allowing 37 first-quarter points.
Second Quarter: Philadelphia Battles Back
The 76ers responded immediately.
Jabari Walker opened the quarter with consecutive layups, reducing Charlotte’s lead to six points. Jaylen Brown followed with a turnaround jumper, bringing Philadelphia within four at 37–33.
Charlotte briefly regained some breathing room through Brandon Miller, whose three-pointer made it 42–35.
However, Philadelphia continued chipping away. Adem Bona’s turnaround jumper tied the contest at 44, and Maxey’s driving floater subsequently gave the 76ers a 46–44 advantage.
The closing minutes featured a back-and-forth exchange between Maxey, Anfernee Simons and Allen.
Simons connected from three-point range to put Philadelphia ahead 49–46, but Allen answered with a three of his own to tie the game.
Maxey then drilled a three-pointer, restoring Philadelphia’s advantage at 52–49.
Allen continued his impressive shooting display, knocking down a 36-foot three-pointer with 34 seconds remaining to bring Charlotte within one.
Simons answered at the free-throw line, sending Philadelphia into halftime with a 57–54 lead.
After trailing by 10 at the end of the first quarter, the 76ers had outscored Charlotte 30–17 in the second.
Third Quarter: Hornets Regain Control
Charlotte emerged from halftime with renewed energy and gradually took control of the contest.
The Hornets’ defense made life more difficult for Philadelphia, while their offense continued finding opportunities through Brandon Miller and Allen.
Philadelphia struggled to maintain the offensive momentum it had established before halftime.
Charlotte turned its three-point halftime deficit into a six-point advantage, taking an 83–77 lead into the fourth quarter.
The Hornets had outscored Philadelphia 29–20 in the period and put themselves in a strong position to secure the victory.
Fourth Quarter: Maxey Takes Over, Edgecombe Delivers the Dagger
Charlotte maintained its advantage for much of the final quarter, eventually building a 101–94 lead with approximately three and a half minutes remaining.
With Philadelphia running out of time, Maxey took charge.
The 76ers began attacking Charlotte’s defense and capitalizing on their opportunities. Maxey continued adding to his scoring total, drawing fouls and making crucial free throws.
As Philadelphia closed the gap to 101–100, the pressure shifted entirely onto the Hornets.
Maxey stepped to the free-throw line and converted both attempts, giving Philadelphia a 102–101 lead.
Then came the biggest shot of the night.
With just 35 seconds remaining, VJ Edgecombe drilled a step-back three-pointer, extending Philadelphia’s advantage to 105–101.
Maxey followed with two more free throws, completing a stunning 13–0 run that transformed a 101–94 deficit into a 107–101 lead.
Charlotte finally ended the scoring drought with a three-pointer, making it 107–104 with five seconds remaining.
But Jaylen Brown calmly converted two free throws to put the result beyond doubt.
Philadelphia had completed the comeback, winning 109–104.
Maxey scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, providing the offensive leadership Philadelphia desperately needed.
EST’s Take: Maxey Continues His Outstanding October
Tyrese Maxey has established himself as one of the early standouts of the NBA season.
His 38-point performance came on 13-of-23 shooting, including four three-pointers, alongside four rebounds and four assists.
More importantly, he delivered when the 76ers needed him most.
Without James and Embiid, Philadelphia could easily have folded after falling behind late. Instead, Maxey led the comeback and Edgecombe supplied the decisive shot.
Anfernee Simons also deserves credit for his 19 points off the bench, while Jabari Walker contributed 12 points and six rebounds. Brown finished with 16 points.
Charlotte will be particularly frustrated by its inability to protect the basketball.
Despite shooting 50% from the field compared with Philadelphia’s 46%, the Hornets committed 18 turnovers against just eight by the 76ers.
Allen was excellent off the bench, finishing with 27 points on 9-of-12 shooting and seven three-pointers. Miller added 24 points, five rebounds and five assists.
However, Charlotte’s late offensive struggles ultimately overshadowed those performances.
For Philadelphia, the victory strengthens an already impressive 6–1 start.
And for Maxey, another dominant performance only strengthens his case for Eastern Conference Player of the Month.
Final Score: Philadelphia 76ers 109, Charlotte Hornets 104
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