Tyrese Maxey scored 38 points to carry the shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers to a 109-104 comeback victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Oct. 31, 2026, at the Spectrum Center. Playing without resting stars LeBron James and Joel Embiid, the Sixers relied on a late surge and a crucial three-pointer from VJ Edgecombe.
Tyrese Maxey Scores 38 Points to Fuel the Sixers’ Comeback in Charlotte
The Philadelphia 76ers needed every bit of Tyrese Maxey’s offense on Saturday night. Tipoff at the Spectrum Center arrived just hours after a late-night flight, with Philadelphia playing the second leg of a back-to-back set. Head coach Nick Nurse had to manage a depleted roster against a hungry Charlotte team.
Look at Sion James!Tight in and out dribble to create some space before throwing down the dunk. Any looks he can create like this in the half court are found money for the Hornets’ offense. pic.twitter.com/hlvzlIKMvM
— https://x.com/malquiza8/status/2116680177002643849
LeBron James and Joel Embiid both sat out for injury management following a victory over the New York Knicks. James rested lower back sciatica, while Embiid treated a sore right foot. With the team’s top two centerpieces sidelined, Maxey took charge. He poured in 19 points in the first half alone to keep Philadelphia within striking distance before exploding for 15 points in the fourth quarter.
I don’t want to do that. I’m tired of doing that. This group is some fighters. We went up, went down, came back. We’re very competitive. The game is not over until it’s over and that’s what I really like about this group. We don’t like losing. We keep the game close, it’s going to be tough to beat us.
Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers guard
The victory improved Philadelphia’s record to 6-1 on the season. It marked the fourth time this year that the team successfully rallied from a deficit of 10 points or more.
Grayson Allen in the first half:19 points, 7/8 from the field, and 5/6 from deep including this 36-footer late in the 2nd quarter. pic.twitter.com/PsoHLdgGvr
— https://x.com/malquiza8/status/2116668033318166636
VJ Edgecombe and Anfernee Simons Deliver Off the Bench
While Maxey carried the scoring load throughout the night, the supporting cast delivered timely buckets down the stretch. Trailing late in the game, the Sixers launched a decisive 13-0 run to seize control. The pivotal moment arrived when VJ Edgecombe buried a late three-pointer right in Grayson Allen’s eye with the shot clock winding down.
I told him, ‘Don’t pass me the ball. Do what you do. You always hit big shots like this’. So he did it again.
Tyrese Maxey, speaking about VJ Edgecombe, via Straitstimes
According to team statistics verified by the Elias Sports Bureau, Simons made history as the first 76ers player to hit at least five three-pointers off the bench in three consecutive games.
If the Hornets pull out a win here, this two-way sequence from Brandon Miller will be the defining moment of it. Awesome block, and a slick pocket pass to Moussa for a hammer dunk. pic.twitter.com/QAjzpLwg0f
— https://x.com/malquiza8/status/2116686390763135119
Grayson Allen and Brandon Miller Lead the Hornets’ Attack
The Charlotte Hornets controlled the tempo for large stretches of the contest, capitalizing on Philadelphia’s fatigue and depleted lineup. Playing without injured guards Coby White and Kon Knueppel, the Hornets relied heavily on their perimeter shooting and second-chance opportunities.
Reserve guard Grayson Allen led Charlotte with 27 points, shooting with high accuracy from beyond the arc to keep the hosts ahead through the middle quarters. Brandon Miller added 24 points, five assists, and three combined steals and blocks, serving as the focal point of the Hornets’ offense.
Charlotte built a seven-point lead late in the fourth quarter, holding a 101-94 advantage with 3:41 remaining on the clock. However, the offense stalled in the final minutes as Philadelphia’s defense clamped down, allowing the visitors to erase the deficit and escape with the win.
Next Up on the Schedule for Philadelphia and Charlotte
The 76ers return home to host the Chicago Bulls on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. Jaylen Brown, who returned against Charlotte after missing the previous game due to left knee soreness, finished with 16 points and will look to find a more consistent rhythm as the team prepares for its next matchup.
Look at Tidjane too! What’s gotten into these guys? pic.twitter.com/iha9Q6gLX1
— https://x.com/malquiza8/status/2116682010047770961
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets look to regroup as they prepare to face the Detroit Pistons on their upcoming schedule.
VJ EDGECOMBE IN THE CLUTCH. COLD. pic.twitter.com/wK8uZfEwn8
— https://x.com/LegionHoops/status/2116689455155441830
More on Tyrese Maxey
SEASON-HIGH 38 FOR TYRESE MAXEY.SIXERS MOVE TO 6-1 ON THE SEASON. 38 PTS (15 in 4Q)4 REB4 AST2 STLTonight marks the third time @TyreseMaxey has scored 15+ PTS in the 4Q of a game this season… no other player has done so more than once 😳 pic.twitter.com/OomsqPISfr
— https://x.com/NBA/status/2116699185055715641
SIZZLING START FOR TYRESE MAXEY 🔥He's got 9 points on 4/4 shooting for Philly! pic.twitter.com/GuMhL3vroY
— https://x.com/NBA/status/2116656550311829649
Within striking distance of a bounce-back home victory on Halloween night, the Hornets couldn’t finish off the Philadelphia 76ers in a 109-104 loss at Spectrum Center. https://t.co/94Myw4HSNV
— https://x.com/hornets/status/2116714361293049910