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The Philadelphia 76ers misplaced by one level (120-121) to the Minnesota Timberwolves in double extra time in what marked Joel Embiid’s return to the lineup after lacking 9 video games on account of Covid-19.
Embiid’s return bolstered Philadelphia considerably, with the 27-year-old banking 42 factors and 14 rebounds, nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient to thwart the Timberwolves, who have been led by a 35-point haul from D’Angelo Russell.
It marks the Sixers’ eighth loss from their final 10 video games, whereas the off-court drama surrounding Ben Simmons’ future took one other attention-grabbing flip.
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EMBIID FIRES IN RETURN AFTER SCARY COVID BATTLE
Whereas Embiid proved rusty within the opening half, he regarded to have discovered his groove by the point the sport got here to a detailed, placing in a powerful efficiency in his first sport since November 7.
Embiid managed a season-high 21 free throws and was an imposing pressure in defence earlier than some sloppy late performs in the end noticed the Sixers go down.
Talking post-game, Embiid stated he was “down unhealthy” when he examined optimistic for Covid earlier this month and added it was a “miracle” he performed as many minutes as he did in his return.
“That jawn hit me arduous. I actually thought I wasn’t going to make it, it was that unhealthy,” Embiid stated post-game.
“I’m simply grateful to be sitting right here – I struggled with it however I’m simply glad I bought over it.”
Danny Inexperienced was one other spectacular performer, who had elevated on the court docket and managed 11 factors, 4 steals and three assists.
SIMMONS SIGHTED IN PRE-GAME PRACTICE
Whereas the 76ers went down, there could possibly be some hope that absent star Ben Simmons could possibly be edging nearer to a return, with the Australian noticed on court docket pre-game.
onlookers noticed the purpose guard on court docket on the Wells Fargo Centre alongside a number of trainers engaged on his bounce shot.
It marks the primary time the 25-year-old has been seen in workforce colors on sport day this season amid a lengthy absence due to mental health reasons.
Earlier this month, Simmons was fined by the workforce for not travelling with them on a street journey, whereas it has been reported the 76ers proceed to count on him to return to the court docket till “data” from his psychological well being specialist suggests in any other case.
HARDEN’S HARD NIGHT AS NETS SPLUTTER
James Harden was booed by his personal followers as he dedicated a season-high variety of turnovers within the Nets’ loss to the Phoenix Suns.
The Suns rolled to a 16-game profitable streak towards the Jap Convention leaders, holding the lead for the entire match and now only one win away from matching the longest profitable streak within the franchises’ historical past.
Whereas Harden managed a triple-double for the Nets (14 assists, 13 rebounds and 12 factors), he shot simply 4 from 15 makes an attempt, together with six missed three pointers and 7 turnovers.
After one in all his turnovers late within the sport, the Nets residence crowd could possibly be heard jeering the 32-year-old.
Chris Paul’s 22 factors for the Suns have been aided by eight assists and 5 rebounds as he grew to become the primary participant in NBA historical past to attain 20,000, attain 10,000 assists and 5,000 rebounds.
The Nets have been on a four-game profitable streak and, regardless of the loss, Kevin Durant was imposing with 39 factors, 9 rebounds and 7 assists.
NBA SCORES
ORLANDO MAGIC 92 – 105 CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES 121 – 120 PHILADELPHIA 76ERS (2OT)
NEW YORK KNICKS 99 – 90 ATLANTA HAWKS
PHOENIX SUNS 113 – 107 BROOKLYN NETS
MIAMI HEAT 107 – 104 CHICAGO BULLS
HOUSTON ROCKETS 146 – 143 CHARLOTTE HORNETS (OT)
WASHINGTON WIZARDS 120 – 114 DALLAS MAVERICKS
NEW ORLEANS PELICANS 105 – 127 UTAH JAZZ
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