Field Level Media
Jan 28, 2020
Joel Embiid returned from a nine-game absence to score 24 points and grab 10 rebounds in leading the host Philadelphia 76ers past the Golden State Warriors, 115-104, on Tuesday.
Embiid had been out with a dislocated ring finger on his left hand and came out wearing No. 24 in memory of Kobe Bryant, who tragically died in a helicopter crash on Sunday. Embiid received permission from Bobby Jones, who previously wore No. 24 and had his jersey retired.
Raul Neto scored 19 points, Ben Simmons added 17, Tobias Harris contributed 14 and Al Horford had 12 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.
The Sixers improved to 22-2 at home.
D'Angelo Russell paced the Warriors with 28 points while Glenn Robinson III added 20 and Marquese Chriss had 15. Alec Burks scored 12 points and Draymond Green had nine points, nine rebounds and 12 assists.
The Warriors have dropped 14 of their last 15.
The Sixers pulled out to a 59-54 lead at halftime, thanks in large part to a surprising contribution off the bench from Neto with 19 points. Simmons played only eight minutes since Neto was playing at such a high level. Embiid had 13.
Russell paced the Warriors with 14, including three 3-pointers. Green also kept the Warriors close with eight rebounds and eight assists.
After the Warriors closed within 73-68 with 5:07 left in the third, Sixers head coach Brett Brown was whistled for a technical foul for arguing several non-foul calls. Another 7-0 run gave Golden State a two-point advantage at 75-73.
Burks knocked down a late trey and the Warriors trailed 86-82 at the end of the third.
Philadelphia came out aggressive with seven quick points to open the fourth and moved ahead 93-82. After an empty possession by the Warriors, Embiid converted a jumper from the corner and was fouled by Eric Paschall, but missed the free throw for a 13-point advantage.
Russell came back with a trey to cut the lead to 95-85, though he missed a free throw for a potential four-point play. Damion Lee then dropped in a 3-pointer from the wing and the deficit was 95-88.
--Field Level Media