The Philadelphia 76ers won their fourth straight victory and the second in a row against the Charlotte Hornets by 101-118. The team led by Doc Rivers is leading the NBA (6-1) and does not lose in an official game against the franchise of North Carolina since last November 2, 2016.
Tobias Harris led the offense with 22 points, but if there was a turning point, it was Joel Embiid. The pivot reaped a new double-double (14 points and 11 rebounds) and was able to dose himself with 25 minutes after leaving until 37 in the previous match against Charlotte.
“The main thing of all is that we have Joel (Embiid). He always gives it his all on the court, “said Doc Rivers to The Associated Press.
“He can handle that time on the track. The other day I think it was up to 37 minutes. I didn’t like that, but something like this can always happen. Throughout the year it could be between 33 and 34 minutes per night. I don’t really have a barometer for him, I just know that I’d like to keep him in that range, “he added.
Joel Embiid is averaging 23.2 points, 12.3 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 32 minutes on the floor, good news after the physical problems he suffered last year. But all this performance has a reason, since Embiid, motivated by the arrival of his new coach, has hired a personal chef, a nutritionist, a physiotherapist and a masseur of his own.
“Everything I’ve been doing I think it’s working,” Embiid admitted. “I am happy to have all that support that I have offered, but we have to continue to do well. I have to keep doing it well, “he added.
Teammate Ben Simmons added another double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, and the entire Sixers starting five added double-digit scoring, plus reserves Tyrese Maxey (11) and Shake Milton (10).
In the Hornets, Gordon Hayward was the most outstanding with 18 points and 8 bounces; followed by Devonte Graham with 15 points and a 5/11 in triples.
(Portrait photo: Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images)
