NBA – Embiid and the Sixers recover after three consecutive losses

Philadelphia, which has gone through a zone of turbulence with three defeats in a row and already questions about James Harden, was somewhat reassured by beating Charlotte (144-114) on Saturday in the NBA, thanks in particular to a great Joel Embiid. The Cameroonian pivot, engaged in the final sprint for the MVP trophy race, with current owner Nikola Jokic (Denver) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee), was dominant (29 points, 14 rebounds, 6 assists).

In his wake and that of Tobias Harris (23 pts), the Sixers collective fired from behind the arc, since no less than 21 attempts (out of 43) hit the mark, a franchise record equaled. In this favorable context, at home, James Harden did not however particularly stand out, even if he was active and altruistic (12 pts, 13 assists, 8 rebounds). An offensive performance still below expectations, from the three-time top scorer in the league (2018, 2019, 2020), for the fans and his coach Doc Rivers, who did not hesitate to criticize his insufficiency after the defeat against Detroit Thursday.

Because “The Beard” was recruited in the last hours of the transfer window to constitute an offensive weapon of choice, with a view to the play-offs, which Philadelphia (4th in the East) should officially access on Sunday, in the event of victory over Cleveland, who is also seeking to qualify there, without going through the play-offs. The Cavs, precisely, did the job on their side by winning (119-101) at Madison Square Garden, at Knicks already out of the race, thanks in particular to Darius Garland (24 pts, 13 assists).