Embiid's Dunk, Triple-Double Highlight 76ers' Win Over Cavs
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joel Embiid had a triple-double of 40 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists along with a highlight-reel jam, and the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 103-93 on Saturday night.
The Sixers are awaiting the debut of James Harden, who was acquired before the trade deadline.
Tyrese Maxey added 16 points for Philadelphia, which has won both games since Thursday's blockbuster trade that sent disgruntled Ben Simmons to Brooklyn for Harden.
Harden arrived in Philadelphia on Saturday, and 76ers general manager Daryl Morey posted a video on social media of his airport embrace with the three-time NBA scoring champion. Harden was evaluated by the team's medical staff on Saturday, but not present at the arena for the game. Fans cheered loudly when a video showing Harden highlights, which ended with him in a photoshopped 76ers jersey, was posted on the video screen for the second straight night.
Embiid's first-half dunk also got plenty of play on the big board. The 7-foot MVP candidate brought the house down with 1:47 left in the first half with a one-handed throw-down over Jarrett Allen that had fans – and even players – putting their hands to their heads.
Embiid finished 11 of 22 from the field, including 4 of 5 from 3-point range, and made 14 of 15 free throws. He has scored at least 25 points in 31 consecutive games.
Darius Garland scored 27 points to lead Cleveland.
The already electric atmosphere in Philadelphia created by Embiid's presence and nightly "M-V-P! M-V-P!" chants is going to ramp up even more when Harden takes the court, which could be as early as Tuesday's home game against Boston. Philadelphia also plays Thursday at Milwaukee before a hiatus for the All-Star break.
The 76ers looked good without Harden against upstart Cleveland, which entered the contest one game back of first place in the Eastern Conference but played catch-up all night.
Philadelphia came out firing, making 11 of its first 14 shots, to double up the Cavs, 30-15 in the early going. The Cavs did manage to go up two points in the third quarter, but Embiid was just too much and Philadelphia pulled away during crunch time.
RIVERS ON HARDEN
Sixers coach Doc Rivers spoke to Harden on Saturday, but didn't have a timetable for his debut with the 76ers, saying it would depend on his health. Harden missed four straight games before the trade with a hamstring injury.
Once healthy, Rivers is excited to get the former NBA MVP on the court.
"James is not a hard guy to use offensively; he's just good," Rivers said before the game. "You can put him almost anywhere."
In their conversation, Rivers wanted to put Harden at ease and wanted to let him know the importance of working together in the hopes of winning the franchise's first title since 1983.
"You do want him to feel very comfortable," Rivers said. "At the same time, you also want him to know that we have to do this as a group and we all have to cooperate, and all of us together, for us to be very successful. He gets that."
Rivers said Harden would enter the lineup when healthy, even if it means he doesn't have any practice time with the 76ers.
"The moment he's cleared to play, whether we have practice or not, we're just going to throw you out there," he said.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Cavaliers: Lauri Markkanen (sprained ankle) missed his 10th in a row, but looked fluid while working out by himself before the game. … Garland played for just the second time in the last seven. He's been battling lower back soreness.
76ers: Rivers said the team's medical staff wasn't concerned about Embiid's right wrist, which was wrapped after Friday's 100-87 win over Oklahoma City. Embiid played with tape on his right wrist. The Philadelphia star grabbed at his lower back after being fouled by Allen with 1:52 left in the second quarter, but clearly was fine when he dunked five seconds later.
TIP-INS
Cavaliers: This was the first of four meetings between the Eastern Conference contenders. They'll play March 4 in Philadelphia and March 16 and April 3 in Cleveland. … Caris LeVert, playing in his third game since being acquired from Indiana on Sunday, scored 11 points. … Fell to 17-13 on the road.
76ers: Paul Millsap, also acquired from the Nets along with Harden, was in attendance and received a warm reception when shown on the video board. … Improved to 16-12 at home. … Embiid has played six in a row after a one-game rest on Jan. 31 that followed 21 consecutive contests.
UP NEXT
Cavaliers: At Atlanta on Tuesday.
76ers: Host Boston on Tuesday.
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