PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid delivered a dominant all-around performance, recording a triple-double with 32 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists as the Philadelphia 76ers edged the Houston Rockets 128–122 in overtime on Thursday night.
With the game hanging in the balance, Embiid controlled the paint and facilitated the offense, while Tyrese Maxey provided the late scoring punch. Maxey finished with 36 points, including six in overtime, and added 10 assists in another standout performance.
Philadelphia seized momentum early in the extra session, scoring the first five points on a 3-pointer from Paul George and a follow-up basket by VJ Edgecombe, who converted after grabbing an offensive rebound. George returned to the lineup after missing two games due to left knee injury management and scored 10 points.
Kelly Oubre Jr. added 26 points for the 76ers, who evened their home record at 12–12 after surviving a spirited late push from Houston.
The Rockets were led by Kevin Durant, who poured in 36 points and nearly delivered the winning play in regulation, blocking Maxey’s driving layup attempt with 13.2 seconds remaining. Amen Thompson chipped in 17 points as Houston saw its three-game winning streak come to an end.
Philadelphia briefly led 94–88 early in the fourth quarter before going cold offensively. Houston capitalized when Reed Sheppard knocked down his third 3-pointer of the period to give the Rockets a 105–96 lead with 6:25 remaining. The 76ers responded late, tying the game twice in the final minutes, the last on Maxey’s layup with 40.1 seconds left to force overtime.
Houston played shorthanded, with Aaron Holiday ruled out due to back spasms and Steven Adams sidelined with a left ankle sprain.
Adding to the night’s significance, Hall of Famer Julius Erving, the centerpiece of Philadelphia’s 1983 NBA championship team, was in attendance at Wells Fargo Center.
Source: NBA
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