NBA: Embiid Shines as Philadelphia Secures Another Win

The Cleveland Cavaliers brought the Milwaukee Bucks back to reality with an easy 124-101 win on Friday, solidifying their lead in the NBA standings. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid delivered a standout performance for Philadelphia.

Donovan Mitchell scored 27 points, and Darius Garland added 16 for Cleveland, which at one point led by 36 points. The Bucks struggled without injured wingman Damian Lillard, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo contributing 33 points and 14 rebounds.

Veteran Chris Middleton returned from illness to add 14 points, but starters A.J. Green and Andre Jackson Jr. failed to score from nine attempts and contributed no points.

The Cavaliers, who have now won seven of their last eight games, improved their home record to 15-1. Max Strus returned from injuries to his hip and ankle, scoring eight points in 19 minutes off the bench, including three three-pointers out of 20 for his team.

“We succeeded on both ends of the floor,” Mitchell said. “We set the pace offensively and defensively and maintained it for the full 48 minutes.”

Bucks coach Doc Rivers remarked that continuing regular-season games after competing in the NBA Cup semifinals and final in Las Vegas was unusual.

“We were exhausted, tired, whatever you want to call it. Tonight’s game isn’t a true measure of where we stand. All credit to Cleveland.”

Elsewhere, Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid returned from a nasal fracture, wearing a protective mask, and scored 34 points with nine assists, leading the 76ers to a 108-98 victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

Embiid, who was expected to miss games until at least Saturday, surprised fans by returning early after suffering an accidental facial injury last week.

The 76ers also saw contributions from Tyrese Maxey with 23 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. with 22. The win marked Philadelphia’s fourth in its last five games and ninth of the season, placing them 10th in the Eastern Conference.

In Oklahoma City, the Thunder secured their second win following their NBA Cup loss, defeating the Miami Heat 104-97.

Jalen Williams scored 33 points, with Canadian star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander adding 25. Miami’s Tyler Herro led with 28 points and 18 rebounds, but the team struggled after losing Jimmy Butler to illness early in the game.

Bam Adebayo also suffered an eye injury but returned to score 17 points and grab 10 rebounds. Oklahoma City now leads the Western Conference with a 22-5 record, three wins ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies.