Key Takeaways:
- Jalen Johnson delivered 41 points and 14 rebounds on Sunday night, drilling back-to-back 3-pointers in double overtime to seal Atlanta’s 142-134 win
- Joel Embiid returned from a nine-game injury absence for Philadelphia, playing 30 minutes and scoring 18 points in his first game since Nov. 8
- Tyrese Maxey poured in 44 points and forced overtime, but missed two late free throws in the first OT before the Hawks pushed the contest to, and dominated, a second extra period
Double-Overtime Drama in Philadelphia
Jalen Johnson produced a standout performance with 41 points and 14 rebounds, striking two decisive 3-pointers in the second overtime to guide the Atlanta Hawks to a 142-134 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night in Philadelphia.
With the score level in the second overtime, Johnson broke the deadlock by sinking his third 3-pointer of the game, then immediately followed it up with another long-range effort on the next possession. Those back-to-back shots propelled Atlanta to its fourth win in its last five games and effectively ended Philadelphia’s resistance.
75 (!!) combined points for JJ & NAW 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/KMvKidyzYk
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 1, 2025
Embiid Returns, Maxey Explodes for 44
The contest marked the return of Joel Embiid, who was back in action for the 76ers after missing nine games due to injuries. Embiid logged 30 minutes and scored 18 points in his first appearance since the 76ers’ win over Toronto on Nov. 8.
Embiid had been officially ruled out the following night against Detroit as he was not cleared to feature in back-to-back games while continuing his recovery from April surgery on his left knee. According to the 76ers, right knee soreness then kept the 2023 NBA MVP sidelined until his comeback on Sunday.
Tyrese Maxey led all Sixers scorers with 44 points, delivering several pivotal plays in the clutch. He hit a crucial basket to force overtime, then added another key shot that handed Philadelphia a late lead in the first extra period. However, Maxey, an 88% free-throw shooter, missed two attempts from the line that would have pushed the advantage to four points. Those misses proved costly in the final seconds of the first overtime.
Alexander-Walker Forces Second Overtime
Atlanta capitalised on Philadelphia’s missed opportunities. With 1.1 seconds remaining in the first overtime, Dominick Barlow of the 76ers was called for a foul. Nickeil Alexander-Walker stepped to the line and calmly converted both free throws to tie the game at 126-126 and send it into a second overtime period.
Alexander-Walker was a major factor throughout, finishing with 34 points and eight rebounds as he complemented Johnson’s scoring outburst.
All-Star Trio Finally Shares the Floor
For the first time this season, the 76ers started their All-Star trio of Embiid, Paul George and Maxey together. George contributed 16 points in the starting lineup alongside the returning Embiid and the high-scoring Maxey.
Quentin Grimes provided further scoring support for Philadelphia, adding 28 points in the defeat.
Momentum Swings and Final Stretch
The Hawks seized control early in the fourth quarter with a 13-0 run that pushed them into a seven-point lead and appeared to tilt the game decisively in their favour. That surge put Atlanta firmly on top until Maxey orchestrated a late Philadelphia rally to extend the contest.
Despite the Sixers’ comeback in regulation and Maxey’s heroics, Atlanta’s composure in the second overtime – spearheaded by Johnson and Alexander-Walker – ultimately proved decisive.
What’s Next
The Hawks are straight back in action as they travel to face Detroit on Monday night.
The 76ers continue their homestand when they host Washington on Tuesday night.
