Joel Embiid had 35 points and 11 rebounds and James Harden added 24 points and 13 assists as the Philadelphia 76ers held off the Los Angeles Lakers 113-112.
secured the win. 💪
🪙 @cryptocom pic.twitter.com/vmLXv5V4sj
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 16, 2023
“Wasn’t one of our better games, especially defensively,” 76ers coach Doc Rivers said. “We had no pace. We were tired. As a coach, you’re saying, ‘Let’s just get to the fourth quarter and see if we can win it.’”
LeBron James became the second player in NBA history to score 38,000 career points, but this game was anything but just a typical loss for the Lakers.
“It’s just frustrating to get into those positions and not be able to come out with the victory,” James said. “We got the stop, gave ourselves a chance to win, and didn’t execute. … We’re playing good basketball. We’re just not winning games.”
James was hot early on, scoring 14 points in the first quarter keeping the Lakers within striking distance, trailing by a single point 32-33.
He put up 35 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds for the depleted Lakers, who have lost three straight after a five-game winning streak. James surpassed 38,000 points with a jumper that was part of his 8-for-9 start with 16 points in the first quarter.
Russell Westbrook failed to get off a clean shot or a pass in the final second under defense from Embiid, allowing the 76ers to hold on for their fourth straight road win. Westbrook claimed he was fouled by Embiid, who disagreed.