In an exciting encounter that extended to double overtime, the Philadelphia 76ers suffered a defeat against the Atlanta Hawks with a score of 142-134. The match marked the return of Joel Embiid after three weeks of absence, but his performance was not enough to secure the victory.
Maxey Shines, Johnson Responds
The game saw the first time Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey shared the court this season. Maxey led the Sixers’ offense with 44 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds in 52 minutes. However, the Hawks’ Jalen Johnson matched the intensity with 41 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists, securing the win for Atlanta.The match was full of dramatic twists. The Hawks seemed to be in control, leading by six points in the last 30 seconds of regulation time. Embiid scored a basket that reduced the difference, followed by a basket by Dominick Barlow and a three-pointer by Maxey to tie the score. George contributed 16 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. In the first overtime, Maxey had the opportunity to give the 76ers a four-point lead, but missed both free throws. Johnson, on the other hand, scored the decisive free throws after a foul to send the game to a second overtime. Embiid, who played 30 minutes, did not participate in the second overtime due to right knee discomfort. He finished with 18 points. VJ Edgecombe also returned after missing three games, scoring seven points in 21 minutes, but he also did not play in overtime. After the game, Embiid expressed feeling good physically and was optimistic about his progress, highlighting the importance of evaluating his mobility and jumping ability. Edgecombe also reported feeling well despite his previous absence. Andre Drummond, for his part, only played six minutes in the first half due to discomfort in his right knee. Kristaps Porzingis, of the Hawks, did not participate in the game due to an illness.I think it was more about perseverance than composure. But I think when we didn’t have composure, or made mistakes, we were able to keep going and made enough plays when it counted, and put ourselves in a position [to win], like them.
Quin Snyder, Hawks coach
