Embiid returns to snap 76ers' losing streak, NBA-leading Jazz stay hot

Written by Sports Desk. Posted in NBA. | 18 February 2021 | 1574 Views
Tags: Basketball, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Damian Lillard, Davis Bertans, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Domantas Sabonis, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Ja Morant, Jimmy Butler, Joel Embiid, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Nba, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76Ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, Zion Williamson

Joel Embiid's return fuelled the Philadelphia 76ers' to a drought-ending 118-113 win over the Houston Rockets in the NBA on Wednesday.

Embiid had scored 35 points in back-to-back games before back tightness caused him to miss Monday's defeat to the high-flying Utah Jazz – a third straight loss – but the three-time All Star came back in style.

The star center claimed a 31-point, 11-rebound double-double, adding nine assists, as the 76ers dug deep against the Rockets to condemn Houston to a seventh defeat in a row midweek.

Philadelphia's win improved the 76ers to 19-10 atop of the Eastern Conference, while Western Conference leaders the Jazz extended their winning run to nine games with a 114-96 triumph against the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Jazz have won 20 of their past 21 games to set the pace in the NBA this season.

Elsewhere, the Portland Trail Blazers made it a 3-0 road trip with a 126-124 win against the New Orleans Pelicans as Damian Lillard scorched to 43 points and 16 assists after dropping the winning three-pointer in the final seconds.

Pelicans star Zion Williamson hit back with a career-high 36 points for the hosts, but Portland snatched a sixth consecutive win.