Image Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Sixers vs Hawks: Three Takeaways as 76ers Fall to Hawks in Double Overtime Thriller Despite Tyrese Maxey’s 44 Points, Joel Embiid’s Return

The Sixers are now 10-9 in the ongoing season, while the Hawks are 13-8.

Image Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

On Sunday, November 30, the Atlanta Hawks handed a 142-134 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers in a double overtime thriller at Wells Fargo Center. The game saw Joel Embiid returning to the 76ers lineup after missing nine games due to a right knee injury. However, despite having a healthy roster, the hosts failed to push themselves beyond the victory line. Embiid’s return was spoiled by three late consecutive three-pointers from Jalen Johnson. He finished with 41 points and 14 rebounds to guide the Hawks to their 13th win of the NBA 2025-26 season.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the 76ers’ double overtime loss to the Hawks.

Jalen Johnson’s Breakout Heroics Guide Hawks to Convincing Win

CAREER-HIGH 41 POINTS FOR JALEN JOHNSON!!!

Hawks leading in double overtime on NBA League Pass. pic.twitter.com/AtJIscowEP
— NBA (@NBA) December 1, 2025

Jalen Johnson recorded his career night with 41 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists to guide the Hawks to a memorable win. Johnson was shooting 10-of-21 from the field and 4-of-8 from the three point range in 45 minutes of action. He is now the only forward apart from Giannis Antetokounmpo to have a 40/10/5 game this season. Not only this, but Johnson is now also leading the longest streak with 7+ assists this season with 11 games. Apart from it, he also hit consecutive three-pointers late in double overtime to seal the deal for his side.

Tyrese Maxey’s 44 Points Not Enough for Philly

https://t.co/uW3TaGZ7u5 pic.twitter.com/Jd9tfjMx9m
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 1, 2025

On the Philadelphia’s side, Tyrese Maxey went off with 44 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists. He was shooting 14-of-31 from the field and 2-of-13 from the three-point range in 52 minutes against the Hawks. However, his effort failed to guide the Sixers to a win over the Hawks. After Sunday’s game, Maxey is tied as the fastest PG ever to reach 600 points, 100 assists, and 50 threes in a season. Not only this, but he also has the second most 40-point games this season, behind Luka Doncic’s 5 games.

Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe Failed to Make a Mark on Return

Joel Embiid returned to action after missing nine games due to a right knee injury, while Edgecombe was available after a three-game absence. While fans were expecting them to deliver powerpacked performances, both Embiid and Edgecombe failed to do so. Embiid dropped 18 points with four rebounds and two assists while the star rookie came up with just seven points in 21 minutes on court. The 2023 MVP started off on a good note but wasn’t able to do much since he was limited to six minutes each quarter.

On the other hand, Edgecombe displayed terrific defensive prowess during the game, but was able to take only six shots overall. He wasn’t able to do much in the second half.

Atlanta Hawks

Joel Embiid

Philadelphia 76ers

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.