The Philadelphia 76ers have improved to 5-1 on the year after taking care of the Washington Wizards 146-128 behind reigning MVP Joel Embiid’s 48 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.
Embiid knocked in 17 of his 25 field goal attempts and hit on all 14 of his free throw tries as Nick Nurse’s squad ran away with their fifth win on the trot.
It was the third time that the 29-year-old has hit those marks in his career joining Russell Westbrook, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and James Harden as the only players in league history to have done it on at least three occasions.
Coming off a career regular season that culminated in an underwhelming playoff exit, Embiid has averaged 32.5 ppg, 11.0 rpg, and 6.2 apg on 63.1 TS% to start the season.
With James Harden now in Los Angeles, the constant innuendo surrounding the 76ers has ceased for the time being and the team’s play looks set to benefit as a result.
Nicolas Batum (11 points, 3-of-4 threes) and Marcus Morris Sr. both made their 76ers debuts today with Robert Covington and K.J. Martin having joined the team for their last-start win over Toronto.
Tyrese Maxey’s (22 points, 11 assists) outstanding play continued whilst Tobias Harris (18 points, five assists) and De’Anthony Melton (14 points, 4-of-5 threes) enjoyed efficient nights shooting.
Philadelphia overcome an early Wizards spurt to wrestle control of the contest late in the opening frame before pouring on the points the point of a 27-point advantage mid-way through the fourth which saw the bench unit inserted.
Kyle Kuzma (28 points, six rebounds) had a nice night for Washington whilst Jordan Poole (23 points, six assists) also contributed.
The Wizards fall to 1-5 on the year with their next outing coming in Charlotte on Thursday whilst the 76ers finish off their home stand with a face-off against Boston also on Thursday.
