Sixers Edge Hornets in Thrilling Home Opener

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia 76ers pulled off a thrilling 125-121 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night, thanks to a last-minute 3-pointer and a stellar performance from their star player.

With only 14 seconds left on the clock, the Sixers broke a tie when Joel Embiid sank a crucial three-pointer, finishing the game with 24 points. Tyrese Maxey also made significant contributions, scoring 28 points and demonstrating his scoring prowess.

The matchup marked the 76ers’ home opener, and fans in attendance witnessed a strong performance from the team, despite some challenges with player injuries. The Sixers’ rookie, who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 draft, added 15 points, although he faced difficulty after a standout first game against the Boston Celtics.

The Hornets were dealt a tough blow when Brandon Miller left the game in the second quarter due to left shoulder soreness. Miller, who had scored four points in nine minutes, exited in visible pain and did not return. LaMelo Ball led Charlotte with 27 points, while Terry Rozier contributed 21 points.

Charlotte had a strong lead, holding a 10-point advantage at the end of the third quarter. However, the Hornets could not maintain their edge, even with Embiid limited to just 20 minutes due to his ongoing recovery from knee surgery.

Embiid, the reigning NBA MVP and a two-time scoring champion, struggled to find his rhythm early in the game, shooting just 1-of-9 against the Celtics. However, he showcased flashes of brilliance against the Hornets, hitting three 3-pointers and scoring 16 points in the first half.

As the Sixers prepare for their next game against the Orlando Magic on Monday, the Hornets will look to bounce back in their matchup against the Washington Wizards on Sunday.