Joel Embiid returned triumphantly from injury, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 124-115 win against the Houston Rockets with an impressive 41-point, 10-rebound performance during Monday’s NBA action.
This marked Embiid’s 16th consecutive game with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey also contributed significantly, scoring 27 points for the Sixers.
Sixers coach Nick Nurse commended the team’s rhythm and confidence, noting the efficient management of player minutes. Alperen Sengun was the top scorer for the Rockets with 19 points, followed by Dillon Brooks with 18.
“I think we got some rhythm, we got some confidence, and we didn’t have to go too deep into the minutes,” Nurse said.
The 29-year-old Embiid, who had missed the previous three games due to left knee inflammation, has been crucial to the Sixers’ success. His absence led to a 1-2 record for the team. Embiid’s participation this month was limited due to his knee issues, which had previously caused him to miss all games on the Sixers’ holiday road trip. The Sixers have struggled without Embiid, the current NBA MVP and two-time scoring champion, holding a season average of 34.6 points per game.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets Updates
Embiid’s health remains a pivotal factor for the Sixers, especially with hopes of a successful playoff run. However, his frequent absences have cast doubt on his chances of securing another MVP title.
Under the new collective bargaining agreement, players must appear in at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for major awards like MVP or All-NBA teams. Embiid, in his 8th season, has only reached this threshold twice, playing 68 games in 2021-22 and 66 games last season. He can afford to miss just eight more of the remaining 44 games to stay in contention for MVP.
Embiid remains focused on the bigger picture and the upcoming challenges, hoping to avoid further swelling in his knee. Despite his injury, Embiid’s performance hasn’t faltered. He showcased this by scoring 26 points in the first half alone, helping the Sixers establish a commanding 66-47 lead at halftime.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets Updates
The Rockets struggled from the 3-point line in the first half, missing 10 of 15 attempts, and faced a deficit of up to 28 points. Rockets coach Ime Udoka expressed disappointment in the starters’ performance.
“In general, I don’t love our starters’ performance, for the most part,” Udoka said. “We got it going a little bit late, but you want to come out with that intensity from the start.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets Updates
Embiid continued his scoring streak, reaching at least 30 points in 17 consecutive games. He secured his 10th rebound in the fourth quarter and was rested with the Sixers leading comfortably at 114-94.
Notably, Embiid’s free-throw shooting was a highlight, making 16 of 17 attempts. Udoka praised Embiid’s long-standing proficiency in free throws.
“He’s been a high-level free-throw shooter forever,” Udoka said.
Looking ahead, the Rockets will face the New York Knicks on Wednesday, while the Sixers have a back-to-back home game against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday.
