Rockets Push 76ers to Overtime but Fall Short in Philadelphia

The Houston Rockets showed grit on the road Sunday night, taking the Philadelphia 76ers deep into overtime before falling 128–122 in a high-energy matchup. The game featured explosive scoring, major momentum swings, and a breakout performance from Tyrese Maxey, who dropped 36 points. Joel Embiid added a triple-double, making the difference late.

Philadelphia controlled the early tempo, but Houston refused to back down. The Rockets stormed back multiple times, using strong shooting and defensive pressure to stay within striking distance. Fans watching from Houston could feel the urgency as the Rockets pushed the game into overtime, showing the kind of fight that keeps the season exciting.

Maxey and Embiid Prove Tough to Contain

Houston found itself dealing with two major problems: Tyrese Maxey’s downhill speed and Joel Embiid’s physicality in the paint. Embiid’s triple-double underscored how tough he was to slow down as he filled the stat sheet in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. Maxey’s ability to attack from every angle forced the Rockets into difficult defensive adjustments all night.

Despite the challenge, Houston maintained composure. The Rockets found offensive rhythm late behind quick ball movement and a handful of clutch shots that helped force the extra period. But overtime belonged to Philadelphia, which capitalized on second-chance opportunities and late-game execution to secure the win.

Why It Matters

For the Rockets, this game represented both frustration and promise. While the loss stings, the team demonstrated resilience against one of the strongest teams in the Eastern Conference. Road games against playoff-caliber opponents often expose weaknesses, but they also sharpen a roster still building identity and chemistry.

Houston is still in the thick of a competitive Western Conference race, and strong efforts like this—especially away from home—build confidence for the stretch ahead. The team’s continued development and ability to compete late into games highlight the progress being made under the current system.

What’s Next

The Rockets return home looking to regroup and capitalize on one of the league’s best home-court atmospheres. With another tough matchup approaching, the team will look to clean up late-game execution and limit turnovers—two areas that made a difference in Philadelphia.

This article is a summary of reporting by nhregister.com. Read the full story here.