March 29, 2026, 7:17 p.m. ET
CHARLOTTE N.C. — The Philadelphia 76ers were able to welcome Tyrese Maxey back to the floor in Saturday’s win over the Charlotte Hornets maybe a bit earlier than expected. He suffered a right finger tendon strain on March 7 against the Atlanta Hawks and returned in exactly three weeks, but the Sixers announced on March 10 that he would be re-evaluated in three weeks which would set his date for March 31.
Maxey was able to return a few days earlier and he had a big game against the Hornets. He had 26 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. He shot 10-for-18 from the floor and 3-for-6 from deep which is a good sign for him as he works his way back from the injury.
With that being said, what allowed Maxey to get back so quickly? According to the 2-time All-Star, he just listened to the doctors.
“So, the first day I got diagnosed with the injury, I said, ‘Listen, what do I have to come back faster?’ They told me exactly what I need to do to play,” Maxey stated. “They told me, if you wear this splint 24/7, don’t take it off. They gave me, like, another wrap—this extra credit. If you wear this too, then, you know, three weeks, you know, we’ll give you a chance. I had this splint on 24/7, never took it off. I did exactly what they asked me to do, and they gave me a chance to play.”
The Sixers are now in a prime position to climb into the top 6 and avoid the play-in tournament in the East. They have a ton of momentum over the final eight games to help them get the job done and earn a guaranteed playoff spot. Maxey will look to lead the way for this group as he has all season.
Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!