Thrilling Finish in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — In a thrilling finish, Jaylon Tyson delivered a standout performance, scoring a personal best of 39 points to help the Cleveland Cavaliers secure a narrow 117-115 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. The Cavaliers, depleted by injuries, managed to clinch the two-game series against the 76ers following their earlier triumph of 133-107 on Wednesday.
Key Moments and Performances
Evan Mobley emerged as the hero down the stretch, executing a decisive dunk with only 4.8 seconds left on the clock after intense back-and-forth action. Cleveland’s victory came despite the absence of key players Darius Garland and Sam Merrill due to injuries sustained in the previous game. Coach Kenny Atkinson stated that both players will be assessed for their conditions when the team returns to Cleveland this weekend.
Joel Embiid was a force for the 76ers, scoring 33 points, while Tyrese Maxey contributed 22 points, alongside nine assists and five steals. The game showcased a see-saw battle, especially when Philadelphia pulled ahead with an 11-point lead after Paul George’s jumper with less than nine minutes remaining. However, the Cavaliers responded with a 13-2 scoring streak, equalizing the game at 102 after a critical three-point basket by De’Andre Hunter.
Despite the 76ers taking another lead following a few turnovers from the Cavaliers, Cleveland pushed back with Hunter’s layup giving them a narrow edge. A missed free throw by Mobley left the door open for Maxey to tie the game just moments later. However, in the final play, after calling a timeout, Tyson set Mobley up for the dunk that sealed the game in favor of the Cavaliers, leaving Maxey’s half-court attempt at the buzzer short.
Other NBA Highlights
In other NBA action, the Indiana Pacers overcame the New Orleans Pelicans in a high-scoring contest, supported by a career-best 29 points from center Jay Huff, who shot 13 for 17 from the field. The game finished with Indiana coming out on top 127-119.
The Brooklyn Nets narrowly defeated the Chicago Bulls, 112-109, highlighted by Michael Porter Jr.’s game-winning layup with 5.4 seconds to go, ensuring the Nets ended a five-game slump.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers continued their resurgence with a 121-117 victory over the Toronto Raptors, led by James Harden’s 31 points and 10 assists, marking the Clippers’ fifth consecutive win while also overcoming a late-game scare again as they forced overtime after trailing late in the final quarter.
