By Tommy Matthews
Joel Embiid shot 20-of-25 from the field and 12-of-13 from the foul line in the Sixers’ 103-101 win over the Celtics, accounting for 52 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and two blocked shots in 39 minutes.
Philly still has a shot of catching Boston for the 2-seed in the East, and they’re two games behind.
And Embiid shouldered most of the scoring load, with James Harden (20/5/10/1/1 with four 3-pointers) being the only other 76ers player to crack double figures in field goal attempts.
This was Embiid’s third 50-point game of the season and his first with at least 30 since March 24 vs. Golden State (46 points).
Joining Embiid and Harden in double figures was P.J. Tucker, who hit three 3-pointers and finished with 11 points and two rebounds, Philadelphia plays three more games in Week 24, beginning on Thursday against the Heat.
Joel Embiid with an MVP performance tonight:
52 PTS
13 REB
6 AST
2 BLK
20/25 FG
12/13 FT
84.6% TS pic.twitter.com/qv12Y7AeyO— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) April 5, 2023
