After a four-game absence due to a sprained ankle, Embiid returned to action Wednesday (PHL time) for Philadelphia, leading the 76ers to a 110-97 home win over Chicago.
Playing just three quarters, the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player posted 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists for his second triple-double of the season and seventh for his career.
31 PTS | 15 REB | 10 AST@JoelEmbiid messed around and got a triple-double.
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 3, 2024
🗳?#NBAAllStar: https://t.co/gI3jhXlcyd 🌟 | @PALottery pic.twitter.com/Bfh6wQCbAV
Tyrese Maxey scored 21 for Philly, while Tobias Harris added 20 of his own, on top of eight rebounds and two blocks. The 76ers went 2-2 without Embiid, including a 13-point loss to the Bulls to close the 2023 calendar year.
The bounce-back win has Philadelphia firm at no. 3 in the East with a 23-10 record.
DeMar DeRozan led the way for Chicago with 16 points.
HORNETS STING KINGS
Playing at Sacramento for the second half of a road back-to-back, the Charlotte Hornets found enough late to end what was an 11-game losing skid.
Specifically, Terry Rozier found more than enough sting to put the Hornet back on the board.
Missing Charlotte’s loss at Denver the previous day, Rozier returned in Sacramento and scored 14 of his game-high 34 points in the fourth.
Terry putting in WORK with 14 PTS in the 4th 👻 @T_Rozzay3 | 📹 @HornetsOnBally pic.twitter.com/I3MpCb5CBl
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) January 3, 2024
Rozier scored seven straight for Charlotte starting at the 3:24 mark of the final period, sparking a 17-4 Hornets run to end the game for the win.
Miles Bridges added 27 points for Charlotte, while P.J. Washington was solid off the bench with 17.
The Kings got 30 from De’Aaron Fox and a strong 23-point, 19-rebound effort from Domantas Sabonis.
