NEW YORK: Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid was ejected during the 76ers’ 111-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in a chaotic NBA clash on Monday.
Tyrese Maxey stepped up with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, leading the 76ers to a late-game surge and the win despite Embiid’s absence.
The highly anticipated matchup between Cameroonian Embiid and France’s Victor Wembanyama ended abruptly late in the first half.
Chaos erupted when Wembanyama fell after contact with Andre Drummond, who was initially ejected but reinstated after a video review deemed Wembanyama’s fall a flop.
Embiid’s troubles began with a charging foul against Wembanyama. After heated protests to referee Jenna Schroeder, Embiid was issued two technical fouls and ejected. In a fiery reaction, he ripped off his protective mask, yelled at officials, and had to be restrained before leaving with just nine points in 14 minutes.
Wembanyama showcased his defensive prowess, finishing with 26 points, nine rebounds, and a career-high eight blocked shots, including seven in the first half. Despite his efforts, the Spurs fell short as Maxey’s late-game heroics, including a steal, a dunk, and clutch free throws, secured the 76ers’ victory at home.
An injury-hit Orlando Magic squad stunned the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics 108-104, with German Tristan da Silva’s 18 points leading a balanced attack for the hosts to pull off the upset despite 35 points for Boston by Jaylen Brown.
The NBA’s top-performing Cleveland Cavaliers improved to 26-4, tying their best-ever 30-game start, with a 124-113 win over Utah.
Darius Garland scored 23 points, while Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley each added 22.
Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City Thunder extended their win streak to eight games, defeating Washington 123-105, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 41 points.
In other action, the New York Knicks beat Toronto 139-125, powered by 31 points each from Karl-Anthony Towns and O.G. Anunoby.
Meanwhile, a shorthanded Milwaukee Bucks squad, missing Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, secured a 112-91 victory over Chicago, thanks to 21 points apiece from Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez.
Houston Rockets beat Charlotte 114-101 with Jabari Smith scoring 21 points, and Fred VanVleet contributing 20.
Atlanta’s Trae Young scored 29 points to lead the Hawks past Minnesota 117-104, while Bam Adebayo’s 23 points lifted Miami to a 110-95 win over Brooklyn.
The Los Angeles Clippers edged Memphis 114-110, with Norman Powell scoring 29 points, including a clutch jumper and free throws in the final seconds to seal the win. – AFP
