Tyrese Maxey scores 38 as 76ers beat Hornets 109-104 without LeBron James, Joel Embiid

Tyrese Maxey clinched a 38-point performance as the Philadelphia 76ers emerged victorious over the Charlotte Hornets, 109-104, without the presence of LeBron James and Joel Embiid. Anfernee Simons contributed 19 points off the bench to help Philadelphia defy expectations. Jaylen Brown, despite being a game-time decision, contributed 16 points for the 76ers.

The sellout crowd of 19,533 at the Spectrum Center witnessed a thrilling contest, though they missed seeing James and Embiid play. The 76ers rested both stars following their intense NBA Cup win against the New York Knicks. Grayson Allen led the Hornets with 27 points, including a crucial block on V.J. Edgecombe with five minutes left.

Brandon Miller chipped in 24 points, including five three-pointers, for the Hornets. Charlotte seized the lead 97-90 when Miller dished a perfect bounce pass to Moussa Diabate for a dunk off a pick and roll. However, the 76ers staged a comeback, fueled by two buckets from Simons and a pair of free throws by Maxey with 1:22 remaining.

Edgecombe's three-pointer in the fourth quarter tied the game at 105-105. Charlotte's Sion James missed an uncontested layup with 24 seconds left, allowing Maxey to seal the win with two free throws. The 76ers shot 40% from beyond the arc, making up for a lackluster 15 of 23 shooting from the free-throw line. The Hornets were playing on the second night of a back-to-back and were without Coby White (calf) and Kon Knueppel (hamstring).

The 76ers will face the Chicago Bulls on Monday night, while the Hornets travel to Detroit for a game on the same day.