The Bulls had spent a week looking for a different ending against Philadelphia. On Sunday, they got much closer—but Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown made sure the final chapter still belonged to the 76ers. Maxey scored 27 points, Brown added 29, and Philadelphia survived Chicago’s fourth-quarter push for a 127-121 win.

Chicago entered at 1-7, trying to prove its young core could stand up to a Philadelphia group that arrived 8-2. The Bulls burst out with exactly that kind of energy. Josh Giddey set up layups for Isaac Okoro, Caleb Wilson, and center Smith as Chicago opened a 10-5 lead. Giddey kept finding teammates, and Buzelis drilled a three-pointer to make it 18-14.

Philadelphia answered with its size and experience. Joel Embiid grabbed missed shots near the hoop, creating extra chances, while VJ Edgecombe hit two early three-pointers. Brown then scored inside to tie it at 23 before the 76ers took a 34-33 lead after one quarter. The message was clear: Chicago could land the first punch, but Philadelphia had too many answers.

The Bulls pushed back in the second quarter. A running three-pointer from guard Hawkins and a Giddey floater helped Chicago take a 42-40 lead. Then LeBron James changed the rhythm. He powered home a dunk, buried a three, and later scored again around the basket during an 11-2 Philadelphia burst. Maxey added a deep three, and Embiid controlled the paint. Philadelphia carried a 68-61 lead into halftime.

Chicago’s young forwards refused to fade. Buzelis opened the third with a three that tied the game at 68, and Wilson battled for steals, rebounds, and a strong turnaround jumper. But missed passes hurt the Bulls just as they were closing in. Edgecombe turned one into a three-pointer, and Maxey helped the 76ers build a 99-93 lead entering the fourth.

The Bulls had one more charge left. Giddey, who finished with 19 points and 15 assists, hit a three to pull Chicago within four. Later, Wilson knocked down a three with 3:31 left to cut the gap to 116-113. That was the game’s biggest moment: Chicago had turned a star-filled opponent into a one-possession fight.

Embiid answered with a turnaround jumper after his offensive rebound, meaning he grabbed a missed shot by his own team. Maxey followed with a step-back three for a 123-116 lead, and Philadelphia closed the door at the foul line. Embiid’s 10 rebounds included eight on offense, helping the 76ers win the rebound battle 54-42 and collect 20 extra chances near the basket.

The 76ers improved to 9-2 and now head to Boston, showing how their stars can share the load in a close game. Chicago fell to 1-8, but Wilson’s 18 points, Buzelis’ 19, and a fierce late rally gave the Bulls a stronger chapter to carry into their next game against San Antonio.

Tyrese Maxey and Jaylen Brown Hold Off Chicago’s Late Charge