76ers vs Hornets 2025 Grimes clutch 3 seals Philly win

Quentin Grimes hit a clutch 3-pointer to lift the 76ers past the Hornets 125-121 in their 2025 home opener as Maxey and Embiid powered the comeback.76ers vs Hornets 2025.
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers kicked off their home opener in dramatic fashion, edging out the Charlotte Hornets 125-121 on Saturday night, thanks to a clutch 3-pointer from Quentin Grimes in the closing seconds.

Grimes broke a 121-121 tie with a dagger from beyond the arc with just 14 seconds remaining, capping off a stellar night where he scored 24 points. The shot electrified the Wells Fargo Center crowd and sealed Philadelphia’s second straight win to start the 2025-26 NBA season.

Tyrese Maxey Shines Again as Sixers’ Floor Leader

Tyrese Maxey continued his impressive start to the season, leading all Sixers with 28 points while orchestrating the offense with poise and energy. His ability to attack the rim and create opportunities late in the game was crucial, especially with Joel Embiid on the bench due to minute restrictions.

Rookie VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, added 15 points — a modest total after his sensational 34-point debut against Boston — but his energy and athleticism kept Philadelphia competitive throughout.

Joel Embiid Shows Early Signs of His Dominant Form

Returning from offseason knee surgery, Joel Embiid delivered a solid performance despite limited minutes. The reigning 2023 NBA MVP finished with 20 points and knocked down three 3-pointers, showing flashes of his elite scoring touch.

Embiid, who played just 19 games last season due to various injuries, appears determined to regain his rhythm and lead the Sixers back to contender status. His impact was evident in the first half as Philadelphia built momentum before his exit at the end of the third quarter.

Hornets Let Lead Slip Away as Injuries Strike

The Charlotte Hornets entered the fourth quarter with a 10-point lead, but fatigue and poor execution allowed the Sixers to storm back. LaMelo Ball led Charlotte with 27 points, while Collin Sexton contributed 21 off the bench.

However, the Hornets suffered a major setback when Brandon Miller exited in the second quarter with left shoulder soreness. The second-year forward, who had scored four points in nine minutes, appeared in visible pain before heading to the locker room and did not return.

Sixers Prove Resilience Without Embiid in Clutch Time

Even without their superstar center on the floor in crunch time, the Sixers demonstrated impressive resilience. Maxey and Grimes controlled the pace, while the supporting cast made key defensive stops to secure the comeback victory.

This win showcased Philadelphia’s improved depth, confidence, and late-game composure — qualities that could make them one of the Eastern Conference’s most dangerous teams if Embiid stays healthy.

Final Thoughts

The 76ers’ home opener had all the ingredients of a statement win — grit, teamwork, and clutch execution. With Grimes stepping up in crunch time, Maxey thriving as the lead guard, and Embiid slowly rounding into form, the Sixers appear ready to make noise in the 2025-26 season.

76ers vs Hornets 2025