Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid dominate Houston in overtime (128-122)

The Philadelphia 76ers secured a prestigious victory against the Houston Rockets (128-122) after overtime. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid were the architects of this success with 36 and 32 points respectively, demonstrating that the team is gradually returning to form.

Joel Embiid returns to MVP form with a triple-double

Joel Embiid delivered one of his best performances of the season with 32 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. The Cameroonian center played 46 minutes, his longest playing time in a regular season game in over three years. « It’s certainly a big step forward, » said coach Nick Nurse after the game.

This performance comes exactly two years after his historic 70-point game against San Antonio in the same arena. Embiid didn’t miss the opportunity to joke: « I was saying after the game that I should probably have a baby on January 22nd. It seems to be a good day. My wife and I will probably talk about it when we get home. »

Paul George, returning after missing two games to manage his left knee, added 10 points. Kelly Oubre Jr. also shined with 26 points on 10/14 shooting, confirming his excellent stint in the starting lineup.

A controversial finish before overtime

The game turned on a controversial play at the end of regulation. With 13.2 seconds remaining, Tyrese Maxey drove to the basket attempting the game-winning shot, but Kevin Durant blocked his attempt after the ball touched the backboard. The referees didn’t call goaltending, making the play non-reviewable.

« They’re supposed to call those plays. If it’s even close, they’re supposed to call them and then go review to make the right decision, » lamented Nick Nurse after the game. The situation sent both teams to overtime, despite the 76ers’ legitimate complaints.

Officials in Sixers-Rockets did NOT call this goaltend… then declared it a jump ball on the ensuing loose ball play for an « inadvertent whistle »…

WOOF. Inexcusable. pic.twitter.com/gfrlEMKtdC

— Erin Grugan (@eringrugan) January 23, 2026

In overtime, Philadelphia quickly took control thanks to a 3-pointer from Paul George and a basket by VJ Edgecombe. Maxey sealed the victory with a dunk with 6.4 seconds remaining, after scoring 6 crucial points in the extra period.

Kevin Durant finished as the Rockets‘ leading scorer with 36 points on 61.9% shooting, but it wasn’t enough. Amen Thompson (17 points, 9 assists) and Reed Sheppard (14 points) also contributed offensively for Houston.

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This victory allows the 76ers (24-19) to move past Cleveland into 5th place in the Eastern Conference. The Rockets (26-16) see their three-game winning streak end and could lose their 5th place in the West to the Lakers.