The Philadelphia 76ers entered Target Center on February 22, 2026, as underdogs in more ways than one. With a four-game losing streak hanging over their heads and their All-NBA anchor Joel Embiid still sidelined due to persistent knee and shin issues, the Sixers faced a Minnesota Timberwolves squad that had been riding high—winners of seven out of their last ten and holding a three-game winning streak. The Timberwolves, with Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle leading the charge, were heavily favored by 9.5 points, and most predictions gave the 76ers little chance against the Western Conference contenders. But basketball, as ever, had surprises in store.
Tipoff at 7 p.m. ET brought together two of the NBA’s most dynamic young guards: Tyrese Maxey for Philadelphia and Anthony Edwards for Minnesota. Both ranked among the league’s top five scorers—Edwards third with 29.5 points per game and Maxey fifth at 28.9. With the Sixers missing not just Embiid but also Paul George (serving a 25-game suspension for a drug policy violation), Maxey was tasked with carrying the offensive load. The Timberwolves, meanwhile, were without Rudy Gobert (out due to flagrant foul accumulation), and Naz Reid was nursing a shoulder injury, though he suited up for the game.
Pre-game odds and expert analysis painted a grim picture for Philadelphia. According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Timberwolves were -360 favorites, and the over/under for total points sat at 239.5. The 76ers had dropped four straight games by an average of 22.8 points, a run that included losses to teams with losing records. Their offense, while still averaging 115.9 points per contest, had looked stagnant without Embiid’s inside presence. As Sean Barnard noted in his preview, "It is officially time to sound the panic alarm surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers. While they showed an encouraging ability to play without Embiid at the start of the season, the wheels have fallen off just as his injuries have flared up."
Yet, from the opening tip, the Sixers looked like a team determined to flip the script. The first quarter saw Philadelphia jump out to a 35-26 lead, with Maxey setting the tone early. He dazzled fans and silenced critics alike with a series of electrifying plays—including a thunderous dunk over Anthony Edwards that sent the Target Center crowd into a frenzy. The highlight reel moment was quickly followed by a tough and-1 finish, as Maxey stared down Edwards, making it clear he was there to compete. As captured in the postgame highlights, "Maxey stares down Ant Edwards after putting him on a poster" and "Tyrese Maxey gets the and-1 to fall" became instant talking points.
By halftime, the Sixers had extended their lead, going into the break up 68-58. The Timberwolves, who averaged 119.7 points per game (fourth-best in the NBA), struggled to find their rhythm. Edwards and Randle combined for flashes of brilliance, but Philadelphia’s defense—often maligned in recent weeks—stepped up, holding Minnesota to just 20 points in the third quarter. Referees James Williams, Mark Lindsay, and Jenna Reneau kept a tight handle on the contest, but the game’s physicality never got out of control.
Maxey’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He logged 35 minutes and 27 seconds, pouring in 39 points on 16-of-28 shooting (57.1%), including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. He added eight assists, three rebounds, and two steals, finishing with a game-high +21 plus-minus. His supporting cast finally found their groove: the Sixers shot a blistering 51.5% from the field and an eye-popping 56.8% (21-of-37) from three-point range. Bench contributions were crucial, with one reserve chipping in 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including five made threes.
The Timberwolves, for their part, struggled to match Philadelphia’s energy. Edwards, coming off a 40-point night against Dallas, found himself contained for much of the contest. Minnesota’s offense, typically one of the league’s most efficient, sputtered as the 76ers’ defense closed out on shooters and dominated the glass. Julius Randle, who had been counted on to pick up the rebounding slack in Gobert’s absence, was limited to just a handful of boards as Philadelphia out-rebounded Minnesota 39 to 31.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, the Sixers showed no signs of letting up. They poured in 41 points in the final frame, turning what many expected to be a nail-biter into a rout. The final score: Philadelphia 135, Minnesota 108. The Sixers had not only snapped their losing streak—they did so in emphatic fashion, outscoring the Timberwolves in every quarter except the second, and winning the battle of energy, execution, and, perhaps most surprisingly, confidence.
For Philadelphia, this win was more than just a notch in the standings. It was a statement. Despite being without their MVP-caliber center and a key veteran in Paul George, the Sixers proved they could still hang with the NBA’s best when firing on all cylinders. Maxey’s leadership and scoring prowess were on full display, and the bench’s production provided the depth the Sixers had sorely lacked in recent games. As one analyst put it, "As impressive as Maxey has been, he has struggled to lead the team to positive results as the primary option." On this night, however, he did just that—and then some.
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, will have to regroup quickly. With playoff positioning in the Western Conference heating up, every game counts. Minnesota’s recent hot streak hit a speed bump, but with Edwards and Randle, they remain a formidable threat. The absence of Gobert was felt on the boards and in rim protection, and coach Chris Finch will no doubt be looking for answers as the team prepares for its next matchup.
The 76ers’ victory lifts them to 31-26, providing much-needed breathing room in the crowded Eastern Conference playoff race and halting a worrying slide. The Timberwolves fall to 35-23 but remain in the thick of the Western Conference hunt. For Philadelphia, the hope is that this win marks the start of a new chapter—one where adversity brings out their best. For Minnesota, it’s a reminder that in the NBA, no opponent can be taken lightly, no matter the odds.
As fans file out of Target Center and analysts dissect the game’s turning points, one thing is clear: Tyrese Maxey and the 76ers aren’t ready to fade quietly into the playoff picture. If this performance is any indication, Philadelphia’s season is far from over—and the rest of the league would be wise to take notice.