JOEL Embiid had a massive performance, scoring a career-high 59 points and flirting with a quadruple-double, to lead the host Philadelphia 76ers to a 105-98 win over the Utah Jazz on Sunday night (Monday in Manila).
A night after carrying the Sixers to a solid 121-109 win over Atlanta with 42 points, Embiid followed up with a masterpiece, which included 19-for-28 shooting, 11 rebounds, eight assists and a career-high-tying seven blocked shots. He even sank his second 3-pointer of the season and had a steal.
Embiid, who hit 20 of 24 free throws, absolutely dominated the fourth quarter and especially down the stretch. He scored 26 of the Sixers’ 27 points in the final 12 minutes, including the final 13 for his club after the Jazz took their final lead at 94-92.
Five of Embiid’s blocks came in the fourth quarter, including a swat with 1:20 remaining that helped the Sixers fend off the relentless Jazz.
Malik Beasley led a balanced Utah attack with 18 points off the bench. Lauri Markkanen had a quiet night with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Collin Sexton scored 15, Kelly Olynyk chipped in with 14 points and Jarred Vanderbilt added nine points and 10 rebounds.
In other games, it was the Thunder 145; Knicks 135; Lakers 116, Nets 103; Wizards 102, Grizzlies 92; Wolves 129, Cavs 124; Nuggets 126, Bulls 103; and Kings 122, Warriors 115.
Thunder 145, Knicks 135
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 17 points during a decisive run to end the third quarter for visiting Oklahoma City, which rode a red-hot shooting effort to overcome a historic first quarter by New York.
Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 37 points and Josh Giddey posted a triple-double (24 points, 12 assists, 10 rebounds) for the Thunder, who shot 62.5 percent (55-of-88) — the third-best performance from the field since the franchise moved to Oklahoma City from Seattle prior to the 2008-09 season.
Julius Randle had a double-double (25 points, 10 rebounds) for the Knicks, who scored 48 points — their most ever in the first quarter — before the Thunder caught fire. Cam Reddish had 26 points while Immanuel Quickley scored 24 points off the bench for the Knicks, who have alternated losses with wins the past seven games.
Lakers 116, Nets 103
Anthony Davis had season highs with 37 points and 18 rebounds, Lonnie Walker IV added 25 points and Los Angeles led wire-to-wire to earn a victory over visiting Brooklyn despite playing without LeBron James.
Russell Westbrook had 14 points and 12 assists off the Lakers’ bench, while Austin Reaves had 15 points, as Los Angeles ended a five-game losing streak and won for just the third time this season. James missed his second consecutive game with a groin injury.
