A thrilling NBA game took place on January 12, 2026, between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors, with the 76ers emerging victorious, 115-102. This game was a testament to the 76ers' resilience and offensive prowess, especially after an overtime loss to the Raptors the previous day.
Tyrese Maxey, with his 33-point performance, and Joel Embiid, contributing 27 points, were the stars of the show for Philadelphia. Together, they led the team to an impressive 80-point first half, a season-high for any Raptors opponent.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Embiid and Paul George, both nursing left knee injuries, returned to the lineup after sitting out the previous game. Their presence was felt immediately, with George scoring 15 points and Embiid adding 27.
And this is the part most people miss...
The return of these key players sparked a standing ovation from the Toronto crowd when former Raptor, Kyle Lowry, entered the game late in the fourth quarter. Lowry, a champion with the Raptors in 2019, received a warm welcome back to the city.
Immanuel Quickley and Brandon Ingram also had impressive performances for the Raptors, scoring 18 and 17 points respectively, with Ingram adding 10 rebounds. Scottie Barnes, the Eastern Conference Player of the Week, contributed 15 points for Toronto.
Despite the Raptors' efforts, the 76ers' hot shooting from beyond the arc in the first half proved to be the difference. Maxey's 18 points in the first quarter set the tone, and the 76ers never looked back, leading by as many as 33 points in the third quarter.
Next up, the 76ers host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, while the Raptors travel to Indiana to face the Pacers.
So, what do you think? Was the 76ers' victory a result of their star players' return, or was it their impressive shooting performance that sealed the deal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
