Reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid delivered an outstanding performance with a season-high 51 points and 12 rebounds, propelling the Philadelphia 76ers to a commanding 127-113 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. The win was accentuated by a solid fourth quarter from the Sixers.
Tyrese Maxey also shone brightly, contributing 35 points as the 76ers, now at 19-8, bounced back from a recent loss to Chicago. Embiid’s remarkable scoring streak continued, averaging 38.3 points over the last 12 games and exceeding 40 points in four of his previous five matches.
“I felt like I was playing within the offense and not forcing anything,” Embiid said. “I took what was being given to me. And I’ve been trying to figure out when to be aggressive and when to let my teammates do their thing.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Despite their strong record and a streak of winning nine out of their last ten games, Minnesota, now at 20-6, couldn’t contain the Sixers. The Timberwolves saw significant contributions from Anthony Edwards with 27 points, Karl-Anthony Towns with 23, and Jaden McDaniels with 21.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch acknowledged the team’s lack of cohesion and defensive lapses, especially allowing 37 points in the fourth quarter.
“We didn’t play a clean or pretty game,” Finch said. “I thought we would find a run or a rhythm. Thirty-seven points (for Philadelphia) in the fourth quarter is way too much — we needed it to be under 30 for sure.”
Embiid’s performance marked his seventh career game scoring at least 50 points and continued his streak of games with 30 or more points and 10-plus rebounds, the longest since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record in the 1971-72 season. Embiid emphasized the importance of winning over personal stats, adding value to his impressive statistics.
“We’re winning, and that’s all that matters,” Embiid said. “Stats are great and it’s great to put up stats. But if it comes with a loss, then that’s a different story. If it comes with a win, it means a lot.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Sixers coach Nick Nurse praised Embiid’s evolving gameplay and adaptability on the court. During the third quarter, Embiid dominated offensively, scoring 19 of Philadelphia’s 26 points, which kept them ahead into the fourth quarter. Embiid’s free-throw prowess was on full display, shooting 17-18 from the floor, capitalizing on the foul trouble Rudy Gobert encountered.
“He’s continuing to get better, and he’s just doing enough different things rhythmically to keep those guys guessing,” Nurse said. “He has a feel that if guys step into him, he can get them. And I like it when he goes downhill.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves Updates
Maxey’s performance was pivotal in the final quarter, especially during a stretch when Embiid was resting. His speed and decisiveness were crucial in maintaining the team’s momentum. Philadelphia, however, faced a setback with the loss of starting guard De’Anthony Melton due to injury.
“You have to use speed and be decisive,” Maxey said. “I think that if anyone is going to pick me up high (off the arc), they can’t keep up with me with speed, skill, and work. I tried to be extremely aggressive.”
Looking ahead, the Timberwolves are set to host the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night, while the 76ers will welcome the Toronto Raptors on Friday.
