In a highly anticipated return to the court, Joel Embiid didn’t disappoint as he led the Philadelphia 76ers to a 109-105 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After being sidelined since January 30 due to meniscus surgery in his left knee, Embiid, the league’s leading scorer before his injury, showed why he’s considered one of the best, contributing 24 points in his comeback game.
The night, however, belonged to Kelly Oubre Jr., who scored a sensational 17 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, sealing the deal for the 76ers.
On the same evening, the Los Angeles Lakers continued their impressive form on the road, defeating the Toronto Raptors 128-111. D’Angelo Russell led the scoring with 25 points, supported by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who added 23 and 21 points, respectively. This win marks the Lakers’ fourth victory in their six-game road trip, pushing them closer to solidifying their playoff spot.
The Denver Nuggets also made headlines by reclaiming the top spot in the Western Conference with a narrow 110-105 win over the San Antonio Spurs. Nikola Jokic was the star of the show, dropping 42 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, a performance that moved him up to third on Denver’s all-time scoring list. This win is a significant step for the Nuggets as they continue to vie for supremacy in the highly competitive West.
Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors managed to halt the Dallas Mavericks’ seven-game winning streak with a 104-100 victory. Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 23 points, while Draymond Green’s critical plays in the final moments were pivotal in securing the win. This victory adds to the Warriors’ momentum as they aim to secure a playoff berth.
Other notable performances included Terry Rozier’s explosive 34 points for the Miami Heat against the New York Knicks and Corey Kispert’s 27 points for the Washington Wizards in their victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. The night also saw the Timberwolves celebrate their 52nd win of the season, a notable achievement that highlights their improvement as a team.
