Thrilling Double-Overtime Clash
In a thrilling double-overtime clash on Sunday night, the Philadelphia 76ers faced off against the Atlanta Hawks, marking Joel Embiid’s return to the court after a three-week absence due to knee issues. Despite his appearance, the 76ers fell short, losing 142-134.
Key Performances
This game was notable as it featured the first time this season that Embiid played alongside teammates Paul George and Tyrese Maxey. Maxey shone brightly, showcasing his offensive prowess by scoring 44 points, along with 9 assists and 7 rebounds in an impressive 52-minute effort. On the other side, Hawks forward Jalen Johnson delivered an exceptional performance, racking up 41 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists, to secure the victory for Atlanta.
Coaches’ Insights
“It was more about perseverance than poise for us,” commented Hawks coach Quin Snyder, reflecting on the game’s tension-filled moments. Snyder highlighted his team’s ability to push through errors and capitalize at crucial times.
The Hawks appeared to be in control when they led by six points with under 30 seconds remaining in regulation. However, Embiid’s tip-in narrowed the gap to 114-110 just moments later. After Johnson converted one of his free throws, Dominick Barlow’s layup and Maxey’s buzzer-beater three-pointer sent the game to overtime.
Critical Moments
Paul George, contributing 16 points, also underscored the team’s mentality amidst the odds, saying,
“We kind of just stayed in the fight.”
In the first overtime, Maxey had the chance to extend the lead from the free-throw line but failed to convert, missing both attempts. Following this, Johnson was fouled with just milliseconds remaining, prompting a timeout from 76ers coach Nick Nurse, who aimed to ice the shooter and plan a final play if needed. However, a miscommunication occurred regarding a possible challenge, which led to a review and the clock being set back to 0.3 seconds. Johnson made both of his free throws, sending the game into a second overtime.
Embiid’s Return
Notably, Embiid, having logged 30 minutes on the court, sat out the final overtime period after a lengthy break. He finished with 18 points on 6-of-14 shooting, and despite the defeat, expressed contentment with his performance, stating that his knee felt good and that he was pleased to be back on the floor after such a long hiatus.
Team Dynamics
Meanwhile, VJ Edgecombe, returning from a calf injury, contributed seven points but did not participate in overtime, and both he and Nurse acknowledged the team’s exhaustion as they faced back-to-back periods of intense play.
The 76ers also had to navigate the absence of Kristaps Porzingis from the Hawks due to illness, a lingering effect from health issues he experienced last season. The back-and-forth battle ultimately highlighted the resilience of both teams, with the Hawks pulling through in a tightly contested game.
