Embiid, George Fuel Epic 76ers Comeback, Crush Hornets' Streak

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- In a pulse-pounding NBA showdown on March 28, 2026, the Philadelphia 76ers clawed back from a 13-point deficit in the second half to defeat the Charlotte Hornets 118-114, halting the Hornets' hot streak at five games. Joel Embiid dominated with 29 points, including 21 in the first half, six rebounds, three 3-pointers and two assists. Paul George notched a double-double with 26 points on 9-of-19 shooting, including 4-of-11 from deep, and 13 rebounds.[1][2][3] The Hornets surged to a 36-25 lead after the first quarter behind Brandon Miller's 18 first-half points, finishing with a game-high 29 points, eight rebounds and five 3-pointers. LaMelo Ball contributed 20 points and eight assists, while Moussa Diabate grabbed 11 rebounds to go with 10 points in the loss, dropping Charlotte to 39-35.[1][3] Philadelphia's 39-point second quarter sliced the halftime gap to 69-64, setting the stage for a frantic finish with nine lead changes and five ties in the final stretch. Tyrese Maxey added 17 first-half points for the 76ers, who improved to 41-33 and 20-16 on the road. The comeback propelled Philly into a crucial late-season push.[1][3][6] This victory underscored the 76ers' resilience amid a tight Eastern Conference race, while Charlotte's streak-ending defeat highlighted defensive lapses in crunch time. Embiid's scoring prowess and George's all-around play proved decisive in a game that captivated fans until the final buzzer.[2][5]