The Rundown: Embiid hits game-winner vs. Jazz

Scoreboard

Heat 111, Bucks 95

Celtics 122, Hornets 106

Grizzlies 130, Pacers 112

Hawks 114, Raptors 103

Timberwolves 110, Cavaliers 102

76ers 118, Jazz 117

Trail Blazers 136, Mavericks 119

What went down

Joel Embiid came up clutch to lead the Sixers past the Jazz after he delivered the game-winning jumper with 5.7 seconds left. It was a stellar showing from Philadelphia’s MVP candidate as he finished with 30 points and seven rebounds.

The Sixers led for most of the contest after dropping 41 points in the opening period. The Jazz, however, fought back thanks to a late rally fueled by Jordan Clarkson. Clarkson scored 17 of his game-high 38 points in the fourth. 

Walker Kessler’s basket gave the Jazz a 115-114 lead with 33 seconds left. James Harden, the catalyst for the Sixers with 18 fourth-quarter points, traded baskets with Clarkson in the ensuing possessions. Embiid took matters into his own hands with time winding down as he nailed the fallaway jumper off a pass from Harden. The Beard finished with 31 points, six rebounds, and 11 assists. 

JOEL EMBIID ANSWERS RIGHT BACK. SIXERS LEAD BY 1 WITH 4 SECONDS LEFT

THIS GAME 🤯

WATCH: https://t.co/1pomQZN8Pi pic.twitter.com/1u2UquL9rw

— NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2023

Big-time baller

Clarkson did all he could to give the Jazz a fighting chance against the Sixers. The Filipino-American guard fired 38 points on 16-of-29 shooting, to go along with nine rebounds and nine assists. He also accounted for 17 of his team’s 32 points in the final frame. Unfortunately, he missed the potential game-winner as the Sixers held on. 

What he said

Damian Lillard also had a monster game on Sunday to steer the Blazers to victory over the Mavericks. He scored 36 points, including a perfect 10-for-10 from the line, plus five boards and 10 dimes. After the game, he talked about his team’s effort:

🎙? Dame on the mic w @brookeolzendam pic.twitter.com/OI0fVBJIl6

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) January 15, 2023

Did you see that?

A Ja Morant highlight every game seems routinary nowadays, but that doesn’t take away the wow factor of his plays. Check out this high-leaping thunderous dunk that sent shockwaves around the league:

EVERY ANGLE OF JA MORANT'S UNBELIEVABLE DUNK OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE 😱📽? pic.twitter.com/8u1j6ZNH3F

— NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2023