Stunner: Could Nuggets’ Star Nikola Jokic Approached a Season-High Points as Joel Embiid Drops
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-113 on Wednesday night, with Joel Embiid leading the way with 51 points. Elsewhere, Nikola Jokic was an important part of a team effort as the Denver Nuggets traveled north to face the Toronto Raptors, which they won 8-8.
On Wednesday, Joel Embiid’s 51-point performance led the Philadelphia 76ers to a victory against the Minnesota Timberwolves, while Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a victory over the Toronto Raptors.
Embiid’s 51 points are his highest total this season, and he also had 12 rebounds in his team’s 127-113 triumph.
The 76ers also had Tyrese Maxey to thank for the victory, as he scored 35 points, as his club won their seventh game in eight games, with their most recent loss coming against the Chicago Bulls on Monday.
“I felt like I was playing within the offense and not forcing anything,” Embiid said after the game.
“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 team-mates do their thing.”
“We’re winning and that’s all that matters,” Embiid continued. “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.”
Minnesota’s best performances were from Anthony Edwards (27 points), Karl-Anthony Towns (23) and Jaden McDaniels (21) and they arrived to the tip-off in good form, having won nine of their last 10 games.
“We didn’t play a clean or pretty game,” admitted Timberwolves coach Chris Finch. “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.”
Jokic managed to complete 15 rebounds and contribute 31 points, with Jamal Murray scoring 20, as reigning champions Denver beat Toronto 113-104 in Canada.
There were double-digit tallies from Aaron Gordon, Michael Porter Jr. and Peyton Watson to help the team to their fifth win in six matches.
“It wasn’t the prettiest of second halves but we’re .500 on the road now,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said afterwards, as they moved to an 8-8 record..
“Our offense has been a lot more efficient (in road games),” Malone continued. “We’re getting back to playing our style of basketball.”
“If you’re going to play on our team, you’d better be expecting the basketball because if you’re open, the ball will definitely find you. Some of our young guys find that out the hard way.”
In Chicago, DeMar DeRozan posted 27 points in a 124-108 win for the Bulls over the LA Lakers, despite a double-double from LeBron James, who finished with 25 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.
Elsewhere, the Miami Heat beat the Orlando Magic 115-106, the Indiana Pacers triumped 144-113 over the Charlotte Hornets and the Cleveland Cavaliers were 124-116 winners against the Utah Jazz.
There were also wins for the New York Knicks against the Brooklyn Nets, the Atlanta Hawaks over the Houston Rockets, the LA Clippers against the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics over the Sacramento Kings.
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