In a thrilling matchup on January 13, 2026, the Philadelphia 76ers secured a decisive victory over the Toronto Raptors with a final score of 115-102. This game was highlighted by the stellar performance of Tyrese Maxey, who lit up the scoreboard with an impressive 33 points. Joel Embiid also made significant contributions, adding 27 points to the team's tally. The 76ers showcased their offensive prowess by scoring a remarkable 80 points in the first half alone, a number that stands out as a record against the Raptors this season.
VJ Edgecombe and Paul George each chipped in with 15 points, helping the team bounce back from a tough overtime loss to the same Raptors just a day prior. This win marks an important moment for the 76ers, bringing them to six wins in their last eight games. Notably, both Embiid and George returned to the lineup after nursing injuries that kept them sidelined in the previous game.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, fans at the arena began chanting “We want Lowry!” showing their love for former Raptors star Kyle Lowry, who received a warm standing ovation when he checked into the game with just under two minutes remaining. Lowry, who was instrumental in leading Toronto to their 2019 NBA championship, however, faced a challenging night, missing all three of his shot attempts, including an airballed three-pointer on his first try.
On the other end, the Raptors had notable performances as well, with Immanuel Quickley scoring 18 points and Brandon Ingram contributing 17 points along with 10 rebounds. Scottie Barnes, who scored 15 points, had earned the title of Eastern Conference Player of the Week earlier that day, particularly shining after hitting the game-winning free throw in their last encounter with the 76ers.
Philadelphia's first-half performance was nothing short of spectacular, where they hit 27 out of 37 field goals and drained 13 of 20 attempts from beyond the arc while also going a perfect 13-for-13 from the free-throw line. Maxey was especially dynamic, scoring 18 points in the first quarter alone, helping the 76ers build a solid lead of 45-28 at the end of the first period. After struggling with long-range shooting the previous game, where they made only 8 out of 31 attempts, the 76ers turned things around dramatically by making 7 of their first 8 three-pointers in this game.
Ingram made his return after being sidelined for two games due to a sore right thumb, while RJ Barrett sat out again due to a left thumb injury. The 76ers reached their largest lead of the game, a staggering 33 points at 87-54, following a three-pointer from Edgecombe with just over eight minutes left in the third quarter.
Looking ahead, the 76ers will host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, while the Raptors will face off against the Indiana Pacers on the same day.
This game not only showcased the skills of various players but also reignited discussions about team strategies and player performances moving forward. What are your thoughts on the 76ers' chances in the upcoming games? Do you believe Lowry will find his rhythm again with the Raptors?
