Tyrese Maxey speaks on encouraging return and huge win vs. Hornets

The Philadelphia 76ers entered a pivotal road matchup against the Charlotte Hornets Saturday, looking to defend their seventh-place position in the Eastern Conference standings.

Just behind, the Hornets, Miami Heat and Orlando Magic sat within a game and a half, looking to capitalize on a 76ers loss.

That wasn't the case however, as Philadelphia outscored Charlotte 26-17 in the fourth quarter to earn a comeback victory.

The game also marked a return for Tyrese Maxey who had missed the previous 10 games with a hand injury.

Maxey showed encouraging signs in his return, playing 43 minutes and scoring 26 points to go along with eight assists, seven rebounds, one steal and one block.

Paul George also played well, scoring 26 points to go along with 13 rebounds and four steals.

Joel Embiid led the team in scoring, posting 29 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks.

Following the game, Maxey spoke on his return, revealing what his teammates said to him during the game.

"I let the game come to me at the beginning," said Maxey. 

"Everybody was like, 'Dude, all right. We know you just got back. Come on, let's play.' And I was like, 'I got you.'"

With the win, the 76ers moved to 41-33 on the season and now trail the Toronto Raptors by only half a game for fifth in the conference.

With eight regular season games remaining, Maxey and the 76ers will return to action in another high stakes matchup Monday against the Heat.

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