Joel Embiid Returns, 76ers Fall in Double Overtime Against Hawks
Joel Embiid made his first appearance in three weeks as the Philadelphia 76ers hosted the Atlanta Hawks. Despite his return, Philadelphia fell 142-134 in a chaotic game that extended into two overtimes.
The game marked the first time this season that Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey shared the court at once. Maxey led the 76ers offensively, logging 44 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds over 52 minutes. On the Hawks’ side, Jalen Johnson countered fiercely, recording 41 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists.
The Hawks held a six-point lead with under 30 seconds left in regulation. Embiid’s tip-in cut the margin to 114-110 with 22.1 seconds remaining. Dominick Barlow’s layup followed by Maxey’s clutch three-pointer tied the game at the buzzer.
Despite Johnson missing a layup late in the first overtime, Maxey missed two crucial free throws that could have given the 76ers a four-point cushion. Johnson then drew a foul on a last-second drive and made both free throws to send the game to a second overtime.
A confusion involving 76ers coach Nick Nurse’s timeout call led to a review and a reset of the clock to 0.3 seconds, allowing Johnson’s free throws and the extension of the game. Nurse explained he was trying to ice Johnson and prepare a possible winning play.
Embiid played a season-high 30 minutes but sat out the second overtime, finishing with 18 points on 6-of-14 shooting. He noted that after nearly a month away from competition, he focused on movement and felt positive about his progress.
Paul George contributed 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists during his 28 minutes before exiting prior to the second overtime. VJ Edgecombe scored seven points in 21 minutes and also did not play in overtime due to recent recovery from a calf injury.
The Hawks coped without key player Kristaps Porzingis, who missed the game due to illness. Hawks coach Quin Snyder praised the team’s perseverance, stating they made enough plays when it counted to secure the win.
The 76ers will look to build on Embiid’s return despite the loss, as the star center continues to recover from right knee soreness. Meanwhile, the Hawks maintain momentum in a tightly contested Eastern Conference matchup.
Read more at: www.espn.com-
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