On December 20, 2024, the Charlotte Hornets faced off against the Philadelphia 76ers, with the latter securing a 108-98 victory. The match featured the much-anticipated return of Joel Embiid, who, donning a protective mask, made his way back to the court after missing one game due to a sinus fracture. The Sixers displayed their offensive firepower right from the beginning, with Embiid leading the charge.
Embiid dominated, scoring 34 points along with nine assists and five rebounds, all accomplished within just 25 minutes of play. His presence was felt early when he helped the Sixers jump to a commanding start, scoring eight of their first 14 points. The 76ers surged to a 41-23 lead at the end of the first quarter, marking it as one of their best collective performances this season.
Despite the disadvantage, the Hornets, who came off three consecutive losses, including the last game against the Washington Wizards, showed spirit. Missing LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams due to injury management, the Hornets were under pressure. Still, their bench—the likes of Tidjane Salaun, DaQuan Jeffries, and Isiah Wong—provided sparks, cutting the Sixers’ initial lead down significantly.
Head coach Charles Lee praised the contributions from the bench. “They came through when we needed it, forcing turnovers and creating fastbreak opportunities,” he remarked. The Hornets managed to close the gap, trailing only by 46-58 at halftime. Their defense momentarily rattled the Sixers, allowing Charlotte to seize on sloppy play from the hosts.
Yet, the moment the second half began, Charlotte's starters faltered, allowing the Sixers’ lead to extend to 23 points. After enduring this setback, the Hornets fought back once again, led largely by improved performances from their bench and Vasilije Micic, who finished with 20 points—his best output this season.
Although key players were absent, Miles Bridges still had expectations thrust upon him to step up significantly. Unfortunately, he struggled early on, failing to score any field goals for the first three quarters and only amassing three points with equal turnovers by the end of the third quarter. He was more assertive during the closing minutes, contributing 15 points but settled for too many three-point attempts, managing only one out of five.
The game also showcased key plays from the Sixers’ roster. Tyrese Maxey scored 23 points, showcasing his influential role and contributing to Philadelphia's overall edge. Alongside him, Paul George delivered 10 rebounds and 8 assists, demonstrating his value beyond just scoring. Kelly Oubre Jr. also added 22 points to the mix, solidifying the team’s attacking depth.
With roughly seven minutes left on the clock, Bridges had an opportunity to reduce the deficit to three points with an open three-pointer, but it unfortunately fell short. This missed opportunity effectively sealed the Hornets’ fate as the Sixers cruised to victory, capitalizing on Embiid’s final push—which saw him score 12 points within the fourth quarter alone, reaffirming his status as one of the league's premier talents.
This matchup marks the fourth time this season Philadelphia’s ‘Big Three’—Embiid, George, and Maxey—has played together, having struggled with consistency earlier, with the current game tallying as their first together produced undersuccessful stints. The team’s cohesion was tested as they prepare to face the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers next.
Despite the loss, Charlotte can take away some positive aspects. Their bench showed capability and resilience, successfully instigated defensive plays against the Sixers’ offense, and Micic displayed his potential with game-enhancing efforts. Moving forward, the Hornets need to adjust their strategy to account for injuries and bolster their scoring efforts, especially with key personnel missing.
The Hornets will be facing the Houston Rockets next on December 23, and will need to rally to continue improving after this tough exercise against Philadelphia.
