NBA action resumed on Friday after a one-week break on Thursday, and it was a busy slate as 26 of the Association’s 30 teams all played. So, let’s break down the notables of the day:
Sixers Stop Hornets in Joel Embiid’s Return
Joel Embiid scored 34 points and dished out 9 assists in his return from a fractured sinus to lead the Philadelphia 76ers (9-16) to a 108-98 triumph over the Charlotte Hornets (7-21) at Wells Fargo Center.
Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr., had 23 and 22, respectively, for the Sixers, who have won four out of five to get to within striking distance of the play-in tournament. Vasilje Micic had 20 points for the Hornets, who played without starters LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
(Up next: Sixers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers on December 22, Hornets vs. Houston Rockets on December 24)
Thunder Stifle Heat as Jimmy Butler Leaves with Illness
Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander combined for 58 big points to tow the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Miami Heat, 104-97, at Kaseya Center.
Williams had 33 points and 6 boards, while Gilgeous-Alexander, one of the MVP frontrunners at this point of the season, finished with 25 points and 7 rebounds. Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 13 points and 18 rebounds as he continued his strong play for the Thunder (22-5).
Tyler Herro had 28 pints and 12 rebounds for the Heat (13-12), who have now lost back-to-back after winning a season-high four games. Jimmy Butler left the game early with an illness and did not return.
(Up next: Thunder vs. Washington Wizards on December 22, Heat vs. Orlando Magic on December 24)
Cavs Make Statement with Rout of Bucks
The Cleveland Cavaliers routed waylaid the Milwaukee Bucks, 124-101 in a potential playoff preview at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Cleveland (24-4), led by Donovan Mitchell’s 27 points and 6 dimes, jumped all over Milwaukee (14-12)right in the first half, building a double-digit lead early before taking a 69-51 halftime edge. A 34-25 third put the game away for the Cavs, who also got 16 from Darius Garland and 15 apiece from Dean Wade and Evan Mobley.
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 33 points and 14 rebounds for the Bucks, who were without Damian Lillard. Khris Middleton chipped in with 14 off the bench.
(Up next: Cavs vs. Sixers, Bucks vs. Wizards on December 22)
