LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Joel Embiid enhanced his Most Valuable Player credentials with a 43-point masterclass because the Philadelphia 76ers received again to successful methods with victory over the Chicago Bulls on Monday (March 7).
Sixers large man Embiid had 14 rebounds and two assists as Philadelphia pulled away within the fourth quarter for a convincing 121-106 win.
It was the tenth time this season that Embiid has posted 40 factors or extra in addition to 10 or extra rebounds in a single sport.
The Sixers had been buoyed by the return of star signing James Harden, who was rested for Saturday’s defeat on the highway to Eastern Conference leaders the Miami Heat.
Harden’s return to the beginning line-up gave Embiid time and house to work his magic after he was stymied by Miami’s defence on Saturday.
“He just got it in rhythm,” Sixers coach Doc Rivers stated of Embiid’s efficiency.
“We didn’t pressure it. We received him in the best spots. Joel one-on-one could be very troublesome.
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“He’s healthy, he’s running the floor, he’s beating people down the floor.”
Harden completed with 16 factors and 14 assists, whereas rising star Tyrese Maxey added 17 factors – 13 of them coming within the fourth quarter.
Georges Niang caught the attention with 14 factors from the bench, 12 of them coming from three-point vary, together with two late within the fourth quarter.
The Sixers improved to 40-24 with the win, second within the Eastern Conference standings.
Rivers, nevertheless, believes there’s loads of room for enchancment.
“We won the game, but I can’t say we played great tonight. We know that,” he stated.
“We’ve got to play better. We were sloppy at times on offence, stagnant. We have to figure that out and we will. We’re a team that is progressing all the time, getting better, but we’re not there yet.”
