Joel Embiid scored 31 factors, James Harden had 21 factors and 15 assists, and the Philadelphia 76ers scored 80 factors within the first half and cruised to a 123-103 win over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night time.
Tobias Harris additionally scored 21 factors whereas including 9 assists for the Sixers, who’ve received three straight to begin a seven-game homestand.
‘We’re taking part in fairly properly offensively,’ stated Embiid, who has scored 30 or extra factors in 5 straight video games. ‘James is doing a terrific job getting everybody straightforward pictures. My teammates are doing a incredible job shifting the ball and being in the suitable spots. That is what we have got to do – all we now have to do is keep wholesome. However we’re not there but. We now have an extended technique to go.’
Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid, proper, tries to get previous Sacramento Kings’ Domantas Sabonis
Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with 22 factors. Sacramento has misplaced three of the primary 4 video games of its six-game East Coast swing.
‘I noticed a bit clip on information on the late Mike Leach (the Mississippi State soccer coach who died Monday night time) saying ‘It isn’t candy except its onerous,” Kings coach Mike Brown stated. ‘The NBA yr and grind is absolutely onerous and we will need to expertise the downs like we now have ups on this brief time collectively.’
Two nights after Embiid scored 53 factors in a victory over Charlotte, Harden and Harris took benefit of Sacramento’s defensive deal with the massive man. With two defenders typically on Embiid, Harris camped out within the nook for wide-open 3s whereas Harden dished from the highest of the important thing till his personal shot received heat within the second quarter.
‘The ball was shifting and the ground was vast open,’ Sixers coach Doc Rivers stated. ‘That is precisely what we have been speaking about. They’re shifting the ball and taking part in collectively.’
James Harden dribbles the ball up court docket throughout a quick break en path to a double-double
Philadelphia led 80-55 at halftime, thanks partially to a 20-9 edge in fast-break factors. Fourteen of these 20 factors got here off Sacramento turnovers.
‘We had a ton of breakdowns, we did not have numerous assistance on drives they usually received to the rim very simply,’ Brown stated. ‘We now have to determine some issues out and dig a bit deeper.’
The 76ers shot 51.2% – the third straight recreation they have been higher than 50% from the ground. They solely topped 50% as soon as within the 9 video games earlier than that. In addition they recorded a season-high 34 assists.
‘We received settled in and we all know what we’re making an attempt to perform possession by possession,’ Harden stated. ‘That is a very powerful factor. If everyone seems to be making an attempt to perform completely different agendas, the crew is just not going to achieve success. Understanding what we’re making an attempt to perform and doing what we now have to do on each side of the ball is crucial.’
Malik Monk had 16 factors off the bench for the Kings.
Embiid reacts through the fourth quarter in opposition to the Sacramento Kings at Wells Fargo Middle
WARRIORS 128, BUCKS 111
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 factors whereas Bobby Portis completed with 25 factors and 11 rebounds to steer the Milwaukee Bucks over the Golden State Warriors 128-111 Tuesday night time in a matchup of the NBA´s final two champions.
Stephen Curry scored 20 factors regardless of lacking seven of 10 3-point makes an attempt. Jordan Poole added 18 factors and Klay Thompson 14 for Golden State.
The Warriors dropped their third straight highway recreation and fell to 2-12 away from dwelling this season. The defending NBA champions have allowed a minimum of 114 factors in each highway recreation.
The Warriors trailed 64-52 on the break and the Bucks created some separation with an 8-2 run to open the second half. Golden State coach Steve Kerr cleared his bench early within the fourth quarter.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo is fouled by Golden State Warriors’ Jordan Poole
ROCKETS 111, SUNS 97
Jalen Inexperienced had 26 factors and Kevin Porter Jr. added 18 Houston by no means trailed in opposition to slumping Phoenix.
The Rockets led by as many as 23 and held a snug lead for a lot of the night time within the return of coach Stephen Silas, who was again after lacking the earlier recreation following the demise of his father, longtime NBA participant and coach Paul Silas.
The Suns dropped their fifth straight. Phoenix was taking part in with out Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton (left ankle) and Cameron Payne (proper foot) have been damage within the first half.
Mikal Bridges led the Suns with 18 factors however shot a horrific 4 of 24 from the sphere and a couple of of 10 from 3-point vary.
Jalen Inexperienced #4 of the Houston Rockets dunks the ball in opposition to the Phoenix Suns
JAZZ 121, PELICANS 100
Malik Beasley made 5 3-pointers and scored 21 factors, and Utah cooled off Zion Williamson and New Orleans.
Williamson scored 26 factors in 26 minutes and Jonas Valanciunas scored 15, however the Pelicans´ seven-game successful streak was snapped. Solely a kind of wins got here on the highway.
After lacking three video games with an sickness, Utah´s Lauri Markkanen confirmed little rust in scoring 19 factors, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker additionally scored 19 and had a season-high six assists for the Jazz.
Walker Kessler had 11 factors, a career-high 16 rebounds and three blocked pictures. Jarred Vanderbilt had season bests of 18 factors and 14 rebounds.
Williamson performed simply 11 minutes within the first half due to foul hassle. The Pelicans by no means recovered the lead they misplaced when he left the sport.
Utah Jazz guard Malik Beasley appears to cross the ball throughout recreation in opposition to the Denver Nuggets
