Tyrese Maxey’s dunk in the waning moments of overtime secured a hard-fought 128-122 victory for the Philadelphia 76ers over the Houston Rockets on Thursday night, January 22, 2026. The win evened the 76ers’ home record at 12-12 and showcased a stellar performance from their backcourt.
The game, played at the 76ers’ arena in Philadelphia, saw both teams exchange leads multiple times before requiring an extra period. Maxey finished with 36 points and 10 assists, while Joel Embiid dominated with a triple-double of 32 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. Their combined efforts underscored the 76ers’ offensive firepower, with Kelly Oubre Jr. adding 26 points and Paul George contributing 10 in his return from a knee injury.
Houston’s Kevin Durant matched Maxey with 36 points, but the Rockets’ three-game winning streak was snapped. Amen Thompson chipped in 17 points, but the team was hampered by the absence of Aaron Holiday due to back spasms and center Steven Adams with an ankle sprain. Despite these setbacks, the Rockets kept pace through much of the contest.
Regulation ended in dramatic fashion. With the score tied, Durant blocked Maxey’s driving layup with 13.2 seconds remaining, forcing overtime. Earlier in the fourth quarter, the Rockets had built a 105-96 lead behind Reed Sheppard’s three-point shooting, but the 76ers rallied to tie it twice, capped by Maxey’s layup with 40.1 seconds left.
In overtime, the 76ers quickly established control. George hit a three-pointer, and VJ Edgecombe followed with a putback after an offensive rebound, giving Philadelphia a five-point cushion. The Rockets fought back, but with seconds left, Maxey drove to the basket and threw down a dunk that effectively sealed the win, a moment highlighted in video coverage by TSN.
The victory was significant for the 76ers, improving their record to 24-19 and keeping them within striking distance in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Head coach Nick Nurse, despite some frustrations with officiating, praised his team’s resilience. The Rockets, now 26-16, remain competitive in the Western Conference but will need to address injury concerns.
Looking ahead, the 76ers host the New York Knicks on Saturday, offering another test for their home court advantage. The Rockets, meanwhile, travel to Detroit to face the Pistons on Friday night, aiming to regroup and maintain their position in the standings. The game served as a reminder of the NBA’s nightly intensity, with stars like Maxey and Durant delivering memorable performances.
