PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid marked his return to the court with a dominant performance, netting 41 points and collecting 10 rebounds, steering the Philadelphia 76ers to a convincing 124-115 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday night. Embiid’s outstanding display extended his streak to 16 consecutive games with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds.
Supporting Embiid’s effort, Tyrese Maxey contributed significantly with 27 points, adding to the Sixers’ offensive firepower. Philadelphia’s coach Nick Nurse expressed satisfaction with the team’s rhythm and confidence, highlighting the managed minutes played by key athletes.
For the Rockets, Alperen Sengun led the scoring with 19 points, followed closely by Dillon Brooks, who chipped in with 18. Despite their efforts, the Rockets struggled to match the intensity and skill displayed by the 76ers.
Embiid’s return was a significant boost for the Sixers, who had a rough patch without him, going 1-2 during his three-game absence due to left knee inflammation. This season, Philadelphia has a 3-7 record without Embiid, underscoring his importance to the team. The reigning NBA MVP and two-time defending league scoring champion is pivotal to the Sixers’ hopes for a deep playoff run.
However, Embiid’s health remains a concern, with his absences threatening his chances for another MVP trophy. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, players need to participate in at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for awards like the MVP. Embiid, in his 8th season, has only twice met this threshold, indicating the need for careful management of his playing time.
Embiid, however, remains focused on the long run and the team’s upcoming challenges. His performance against the Rockets, particularly a combined 26-point haul in the first two quarters, showcased his ability to influence games decisively. With Embiid’s presence, the Sixers established a commanding 66-47 lead by halftime, a lead that the Rockets failed to overturn.
The Rockets, who struggled particularly from the three-point range in the first half, were unable to match the Sixers’ intensity. Rockets coach Ime Udoka lamented the starters’ performance, acknowledging the late surge that wasn’t enough to counter Philadelphia’s dominance.
Embiid, efficient from both the field and the free-throw line, left the game in the fourth quarter with the Sixers comfortably leading 114-94. His performance, especially in free throws, earned praise from Udoka.
The Rockets face a challenging game against New York on Wednesday, while the Sixers have a quick turnaround with a home game against Denver scheduled for Tuesday.
