NBA: 76ers' long-range success ruins return of Hornets' LaMelo Ball

Tyrese Maxey pumped in 40 points and Paul George racked up 33 points as both sank six 3-pointers, leading the injury-ravaged Philadelphia 76ers past the host Charlotte Hornets 121-108 on Monday night.

Kelly Oubre Jr., a former Hornet, scored nine of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and grabbed nine rebounds as the 76ers won for the fifth time in seven games. Andre Drummond registered nine points and 15 rebounds.

The outcome dampened the excitement around the return to action of Charlotte point guard LaMelo Ball, who racked up 15 points and 11 assists. The Hornets lost for the 10th time in 11 outings despite Miles Bridges' 24 points, Nick Richards' 19 points and Brandon Miller's 12 points. Cody Martin and Josh Green both added 10 points.

Maxey drained six 3-point shots across the first three quarters, while George had five. The duo combined for 27 of Philadelphia's 31 first-quarter points.

That helped the 76ers, who made 16 of 38 attempts from 3-point range on the night, withstand their first game in the absence of center Joel Embiid (sinus fracture) and rookie guard Jared McCain (torn knee ligament). Both Embiid and McCain got hurt on Friday.

Charlotte, which trailed by 21 points in the third quarter, threatened to pull off a big comeback but got no closer than four points with just less than seven minutes to play. Philadelphia responded with an 9-0 run, capped by a Maxey basket.

Ball hadn't played since Nov. 27 because of a calf injury, and he didn't come close to reaching the average of 31.1 points per game that he carried into the game. He logged 26 minutes, going 5-for-15 from the floor and hitting 3 of 8 from 3-point range.

The 76ers led 93-72 points with two minutes left in the third quarter, but soon they were in a tussle.

After giving up 41 third-quarter points, the Hornets perked up. They scored the first 10 points of the fourth quarter to close within 95-89, with Green scoring eight of those.

The 76ers have won their last four road games, while the Hornets have dropped their past seven home games. — Field Level Media/Reuters