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"Who wouldn't want to have James Harden?" Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said after the team's home loss Monday to Philadelphia when asked whether he would be open to the former MVP — who missed the game for what was described as personal reasons — staying in Clipperland. "It's all about a contract extension," said one source briefed on the situation.
The Knicks played one of their best quarters of the season, but the 76ers fought back in the fourth quarter, as New York held on to a 112-109 win in Philadelphia. Coming off a big win against the Nets, questions regarding the Knicks (coming into the game 3-9 in their last 12 games) still prevailed. And although New York was behind at halftime, a 30-13 third quarter gave the Knicks enough cushion to weather the Philadelphia comeback. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 31 points while OG Anunoby added 23 points and was clutch down the stretch. Joel Embiid, coming off his first triple-double this season, had a game-high 38 points to go along with 11 rebounds, five assists and one block.
Tim Bontemps: Nick Nurse says Philadelphia is planning to leave tonight for Charlotte for Monday’s game, as opposed to leaving tomorrow as normal due to the impending storm hitting the East Coast.
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Even when Flagg struggles, he stands out to opposing coaches and executives. Philadelphia's Nick Nurse noted Flagg's ability to "regather his composure" throughout games despite dealing with the mental and physical fatigue that comes with playing heavy minutes while handling a lot of responsibilities. "His greatest strength is his competitiveness," a West GM said. "He's a motherf---er."
Scott Agness: Pacers signed center Tony Bradley to a second (and final) 10-day contract. Game 2 of a five-game road trip is tonight in Philly.
Courtside Buzz: CAVS WIN! Cleveland Cavaliers second year man Jaylon Tyson went OFF for a career-high 39 Points on 7/9 3PM against 33 Points from Joel Embiid in their 117-115 WIN vs. Philadelphia! Tyson: 39 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST, 13/17 FGM, 7/9 3PM, 38 MIN Embiid: 33 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST, 10/22 FGM Donovan Mitchell: 13 PTS, 9 REB, 12 AST, 4/7 3PM Tyrese Maxey: 22 PTS, 5 REB, 9 AST, 5 STL, 9/23 FGM LEAGUE, MEET JAYLON TYSON
Tim Bontemps: Final: Cavs 133, Sixers 107 Really impressive performance for Cleveland — and a very flat one from Philly — as the Cavs bounce back from their rough showing against Utah Monday. The focus now, though, will be on the health of Darius Garland and Sam Merrill.
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More importantly, Embiid is having fun again. The smile is back. The celebrations on the court have returned. And Philadelphia is showing it has the kind of ceiling that leads to dangerous thoughts of playoff grandeur. “It means everything,” Embiid told The Athletic. “I can’t sit here and say that I thought this would happen again. I was skeptical that I would have a chance of being this consistent. That’s why I’m kind of emotional about it. I think there were a lot of people that thought this would never be possible again. So, I’m happy that I’m getting the chance to play again and be consistent again. I just want to keep playing, and keep trying to get better every single night. So, this definitely feels great.”
Philadelphia’s offense has become smoother, too. At the beginning of the season, the Sixers felt like two different teams: one with Embiid and another without him. The balance has been there a lot more of late. Maxey and Edgecombe have been so potent as a backcourt that the Sixers consistently push the basketball when Embiid is off the floor. The pace has slowed down a bit with Embiid, particularly in the half court, but the 31-year-old is running more in transition and feeling stronger. “What we love is that he looks happy,” Maxey told The Athletic. “We want him to be happy, more than anything. And he looks healthy. I think the thing that I’m most proud of is that he’s staying on top of his treatment. He’s staying on top of getting ice and seeing the training staff. Just seeing him healthy, that is the stuff that really matters.”
Now, the Sixers are fifth in the Eastern Conference, which feels wide open. When healthy, few teams can match the top-end talent that Philadelphia puts on the floor. For Embiid, that’s given him a reason to keep pushing. “I for sure won’t take this for granted,” Embiid said. “I felt bad not being able to play with my teammates last season. That’s why it feels good to be able to have some consistency. It feels good to be able to play almost every night.”
Josh Lewenberg: Barnes is available today vs Philly. Ingram is out but getting close to a return. Barrett had already been ruled out - he’s also day-to-day. As for Poeltl, Darko reiterates that back injuries are unpredictable and says there’s no timetable for his return.
