The Rundown: James delivers late for Lakers, Embiid drops 52 in comeback win

Scoreboard

Raptors 120, Hornets 100
Heat 118, Pistons 105
Cavaliers 117, Magic 113
Bucks 140, Wizards 128
Timberwolves 107, Nets 102
76ers 103, Celtics 101?
Hawks 123, Bulls 105
Rockets 124, Nuggets 103
Grizzlies 119, Trail Blazers 109
Kings 121, Pelicans 103
Lakers 135, Jazz 133 OT?
Warriors 136, Thunder 125
Suns 115, Spurs 94

What went down

It was a full slate today in the NBA. But one of the most crucial games was the one between the Lakers and the Jazz.

Heading into this matchup, the Lakers were riding a three-game winning streak with the sixth seed in their sights. They needed to pile up more wins to secure an automatic playoff berth, and a win over the Jazz would keep them in the right direction.

But Utah wanted to make things harder for LA. LeBron James and the Lakers had a double-digit lead early in the second half before the Jazz came storming back after shooting 71 percent in the third period.

The Lakers created separation with a 124-114 lead with 1:43 left in regulation but the Jazz went on a 10-0 run to force overtime. LA had a chance to steal the game but James missed a layup on the final possession.

LeBron, however, did get to redeem himself in overtime. The King scored the go-ahead bucket with 27 seconds left in OT as the Lakers eventually got the much-needed 135-133 win in Utah.

James finished with 37 for LA. His co-star, Anthony Davis, chipped in 21 and 14 and Austin Reaves added 28.

With the win, the Lakers are now tied with the Clippers, whom they will face tomorrow, with identical 41-38 records for the sixth seed in the West. Meanwhile, the Warriors, remain a half-game ahead in fifth at 42-38 after beating the Thunder today.

Big-time baller

Joel Embiid takes the spotlight today after leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a come-from-behind victory against the Boston Celtics.

Embiid unleashed a 52-point performance, going 20-of-25 (80 PERCENT!!!!) from the field and making 12-of-13 from the stripe. He also grabbed 13 boards, dished out six dimes, and had two swats.

He became only the second player in NBA history to record 50-10-5 and 80 percent shooting in a game, joining the great Wilt Chamberlain.

Special shoutout goes to Donovan Mitchell. In their win over the Orlando Magic, Mitchell scored a game-high 43 points, on top of five rebounds, four assists, and a block. It was the fourth straight game he scored 40 or more points. He shot 15-of-23 from the field and only missed one of his nine free throw attempts.

4 straight 40+ point games for Donovan Mitchell 🔥

43 points
5 rebounds
4 assists
5 threes
65% FG

He joins Russ, Harden, and Kobe as the only players over the past 25 seasons to drop 40+ in 4 straight. pic.twitter.com/x5PMTz21TS

— NBA (@NBA) April 5, 2023

What he said

After beating Boston in comeback fashion, Philly coach Doc Rivers had high praises for Joel Embiid, who is an MVP frontrunner this season.

Rivers, after witnessing what Embiid did tonight versus the Celtics, said post-game that he is convinced the Sixers' main star deserves the award.

"The MVP race is over. ... The man just scored half our points, in an NBA game."

Doc Rivers on the MVP race 🗣 pic.twitter.com/sFzTtMvDvC

— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 5, 2023

Did you see that?

Could I interest you in a pair of hammers?

JA POSTER 😱

📺: Live on the NBA App pic.twitter.com/kTTfmwOB5N

— NBA (@NBA) April 5, 2023

JOEL EMBIID THROWS IT DOWN 😤 pic.twitter.com/FfFY8ho3iL

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 5, 2023

You're welcome.