76ers Edge Hornets in Tight Matchup

Charlotte's comeback bid falls short in final minutes of close game.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:32am

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An abstract painting featuring bold, expressive brushstrokes in neon shades of orange, pink, and blue, capturing the dynamic energy and intensity of a close NBA basketball game.The 76ers and Hornets battle it out in a thrilling, high-scoring matchup that came down to the wire.Joplin Today

The Philadelphia 76ers narrowly defeated the Charlotte Hornets 118-114 in a hard-fought NBA matchup. The game came down to the wire, with the Hornets making a late push to try and overcome a double-digit deficit, but the 76ers held on for the victory.

Why it matters

This was an important win for the 76ers as they look to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Hornets, meanwhile, missed an opportunity to gain ground on some of the teams ahead of them in the standings.

The details

The 76ers led by as many as 14 points in the fourth quarter, but the Hornets fought back and cut the deficit to just two points in the final minute. However, the 76ers were able to make their free throws down the stretch to seal the victory. Joel Embiid led the way for Philadelphia with 32 points and 12 rebounds, while LaMelo Ball had 29 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds for Charlotte.

  • The game was played on March 28, 2026.

The players

Philadelphia 76ers

An NBA franchise based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Charlotte Hornets

An NBA franchise based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Joel Embiid

All-Star center for the Philadelphia 76ers.

LaMelo Ball

All-Star point guard for the Charlotte Hornets.

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What they’re saying

“We knew it was going to be a tough game against a talented Hornets team, but our guys showed a lot of grit to hold on for the win.”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach, Philadelphia 76ers

“We fought hard and gave ourselves a chance, but ultimately came up short. We'll learn from this and come back stronger next time.”

— James Borrego, Head Coach, Charlotte Hornets

What’s next

The 76ers will look to build on this win as they continue their push for a high playoff seed, while the Hornets will try to regroup and get back on track in their quest to reach the postseason.

The takeaway

This close game between two Eastern Conference contenders showcased the competitive balance and high level of play in the NBA this season, as teams battle for positioning in what is shaping up to be an exciting playoff race.