NEW YORK – Joel Embiid delivered an impressive performance, contributing 28 points and securing 12 rebounds, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a commanding 123-94 victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday evening.
Tyrese Maxey supported the effort with 18 points, while Paul George and Caleb Martin both added 17 points, helping the 76ers end a two-game skid.
For the Nets, who have encountered difficulties recently, Ziaire Williams led with 19 points and Keon Johnson contributed 15. The team has now lost 12 of their last 16 matchups.
Brooklyn played without several key players, including Cam Thomas, who is sidelined with a left ankle strain, Cam Johnson with a right ankle sprain, and Ben Simmons, who has a sore left calf.
The injuries to Thomas and Johnson occurred during their game against Milwaukee on Thursday, while Simmons was announced inactive just before the game started.
Despite falling behind 11-0 just a little over three minutes into the first quarter, the 76ers managed to turn the game around dramatically. They ended the quarter with a staggering 29-8 run.
Philadelphia continued their momentum into the second quarter, displaying impressive shooting efficiency at 57%, which allowed them to carry a 64-47 advantage into halftime.
Some key observations from the game include the 76ers achieving 31 assists on 42 successful shots. Maxey led the team with seven assists, while both Embiid and George recorded six assists each.
In a notable update, the Nets stated that Cam Johnson is expected to be out for at least the next three contests, with evaluations for both him and Thomas planned during their upcoming trip to the western conference, set to begin in Denver on Friday.
A defining incident occurred when the 76ers were down 13-9. Embiid was awarded a technical foul following a physical exchange with Keon Johnson under the basket. Following that call, Embiid, who had missed his initial two shots, drove the offense with three consecutive baskets, finishing the first quarter with 15 points and shooting 6-for-9.
Importantly, Embiid was perfect at the free-throw line, making all 10 attempts.
Looking ahead, the 76ers will return to their home court on Monday to face off against the Phoenix Suns, while the Nets will be hosting the Indiana Pacers.
