Tyrese Maxey erupted for 39 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 110-108 victory over a depleted Los Angeles Clippers on Monday at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Philadelphia improved to 8-5, rallying in the final minutes despite missing Joel Embiid, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Adem Bona.
Maxey shot 13-for-27 from the field, added six assists, and hit four 3-pointers while carrying the offense in 41 minutes.
Andre Drummond filled in for Embiid with 14 points and 18 rebounds, controlling the glass and providing crucial second-chance opportunities.
Quentin Grimes scored 19 points off the bench, helping maintain the 76ers’ scoring balance while Paul George contributed nine points and seven rebounds in his season debut.
The Clippers, missing Kawhi Leonard for the seventh straight game and Derrick Jones Jr., fell to 4-10 as James Harden scored 28 points, surpassing 28,000 career points with a first-quarter layup.
Los Angeles led 91-81 with 8:44 remaining on Ivica Zubac’s 10-footer, but Philadelphia responded with a 14-3 run capped by Maxey’s layup to take a 95-94 lead.
Drummond’s free throws put the 76ers ahead 110-106 with 1:08 left, and a late defensive play by Kris Dunn prevented the Clippers from tying the game. Harden missed two potential game-tying 3-pointers in the final seconds.
Philadelphia shot 46% from the field and 33% from deep, while converting 21 of 30 free throws, capitalizing on Los Angeles’ defensive lapses.
The Clippers struggled from distance, making just 12 of 39 3-point attempts, and committed eight turnovers that led to 10 Philadelphia points.
Philadelphia hosts the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, aiming to build on a critical home win, while the Clippers travel to Orlando on Thursday to halt a four-game losing skid.
