Maxey scores 40, George adds 33 as 76ers top Hornets 121-108 to spoil Ball's return to the floor

Maxey scores 40, George adds 33 as 76ers top Hornets 121-108 to spoil Ball’s return to the floor

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Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr., left, looks to pass the ball against Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

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Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, right, shoots over Philadelphia 76ers forward KJ Martin Jr., left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

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Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, center, looks to pass the ball against Philadelphia 76ers forwards Guerschon Yabusele, left, and KJ Martin Jr., right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

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Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) looks to drive against Charlotte Hornets guard Josh Green, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

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Charlotte Hornets guard Josh Green (10) drives to the basket against Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

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Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) drives into Charlotte Hornets guard Isaiah Wong, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

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Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) goes up against Charlotte Hornets guard Isaiah Wong (21) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

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Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) drives against Charlotte Hornets forward Cody Martin, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

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Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) drives to the basket against Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate, left, during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

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Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) drives to the basket past Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Monday, Dec. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)

By STEVE REED

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Tyrese Maxey scored 40 points, Paul George added 33 points as the Philadelphia 76ers spoiled LaMelo Ball’s return to the floor with a 121-108 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night.

Maxey and George were combined for 12 for 21 on 3-pointers.

Kelly Oubre Jr. had 19 points, while Andre Drummond, starting in place of the injured Joel Embiid, chipped in with 15 rebounds for the 76ers (8-16).

Miles Bridges had 24 points and Nick Richards added 19 points off the bench to lead the Hornets.

Ball returned to action after missing the last seven games with a strained calf, finishing with 15 points and 11 assists in nearly 26 minutes.

Ball’s return meant the Hornets (7-19) finally had their preseason projected starting five on the floor together for the first time this season. But that lasted a little more than three quarters as Brandon Miller sprained his left ankle with 8:20 remaining in the game on a drive to the basket and did not return.

Takeaways

76ers: With Joel Embiid out with a sinus fracture, George and Maxey had to carry the load. And they certainly did that, particularly in the first half when they combined for 44 of Philadelphia’s 54 points while shooting 9 of 16 from beyond the arc.

Hornets: The Hornets starting five struggled all night to get in sync and 76ers did an outstanding job of not letting Miller get free for open looks.

Key moment

Shortly after the Hornets had cut the 76ers lead to five, George hit a short fadeaway jumper in the lane and drew a foul for a 3-point play, helping push the lead back to 13.

Key stat

The Hornets shot 11 of 19 from the foul line.

Up next

The 76ers host the Hornets on Friday night. The Hornets visit the Wizards on Thursday night.

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