The Philadelphia 76ers showed why they remain one of the Eastern Conference’s most dangerous teams when healthy, grinding out a hard-fought 128-122 overtime victory over the Houston Rockets on Thursday night (January 22, 2026). In a game that featured fireworks from both ends, it was the star duo of Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid who ultimately carried the day, combining for 68 points, 25 rebounds, and 20 assists in a performance that had fans buzzing.
With the score tied at the end of regulation, the game went to overtime where Philadelphia pulled away late. Leading by four with under 10 seconds left, Maxey sealed the win in emphatic fashion: a coast-to-coast transition dunk that sent the Wells Fargo Center into a frenzy and put the exclamation point on a statement victory against a tough Western Conference opponent.
Maxey was electric all night, finishing with 36 points on 15-of-28 shooting (including 2-of-10 from three), 10 assists, and 4 steals. The 25-year-old guard was relentless in transition, attacked the rim with confidence, and orchestrated the offense beautifully when Embiid drew double-teams. His late-game poise and that signature dunk have become staples of what makes him one of the league’s most exciting young stars.
Embiid, meanwhile, delivered his first triple-double of the 2025-26 season: 32 points (10-of-19 FG), 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. The big man was dominant in the paint, patient in pick-and-roll sets, and unselfish finding open teammates when Houston collapsed on him. His playmaking has taken another step forward this year, and nights like this remind everyone why he’s still among the NBA’s elite when fully healthy.
On the other side, Kevin Durant was brilliant for the Rockets, dropping 36 points on an efficient 61.9% shooting (13-of-21). KD kept Houston in the game with tough mid-range jumpers and timely scoring bursts, but the Rockets couldn’t overcome Philadelphia’s late-game execution and Embiid-Maxey synergy.
The win improves the 76ers to a solid position in the East (exact record pending other results), while the Rockets drop a tough road contest despite another strong Durant performance. Fans flooded social media with praise for the Philly duo:
- “Maxey + Embiid in crunch time is unfair 🔥”
- “That transition dunk by Tyrese was cold blooded 😤”
- “Embiid’s first triple-double this season and it comes in an OT W — Process complete?”
- “KD dropped 36 and still lost. Respect to the 76ers defense late.”
This victory is a reminder of Philadelphia’s ceiling when Maxey and Embiid are clicking: explosive offense, clutch playmaking, and the ability to win tight games against top competition. With the season heating up, nights like this could be the spark that pushes the Sixers deep into the playoffs.
Next up for Philly: a chance to build momentum against a weaker opponent before tougher tests loom. For Houston, it’s back to the drawing board after a valiant effort fell just short.
What a night in the City of Brotherly Love—Maxey and Embiid just reminded the league they’re still a problem.