Harden, Embiid have double-doubles, 76ers rout Clippers

Even after seeing James Harden and Joel Embiid report double-doubles in a convincing 25-point win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday evening, Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers does not suppose his workforce is at its finest but.

That ought to be unhealthy information for the remainder of the Japanese Convention.

Harden had 29 factors and a season-high 15 rebounds whereas Embiid added 27 factors and 10 boards because the Sixers’ rolled to a 122-97 victory.

“We’re getting higher. The one-two must be there first. It’s. The remaining will comply with,” Rivers stated after Philadelphia (46-27) received its third straight to drag inside a half recreation of the Miami Warmth for first place within the Japanese Convention.

It’s the first time since Harden was acquired from the Brooklyn Nets in a blockbuster commerce on Feb. 10 that the 2 All-Stars have had a double-double in the identical recreation for the Sixers.

Though the Sixers are streaking going right into a key conflict Sunday towards the Phoenix Suns, who’ve clinched the league’s finest report, Harden agreed that issues stay a piece in progress with lower than a month remaining till the playoffs.

“Issues are headed in the precise course, however each single day we’re specializing in execution and particulars,” stated Harden, who’s averaging 23 factors and seven.6 rebounds since coming to Philadelphia. “There are going to be other ways we’re going to should win within the playoffs, and we’ve to be ready for that.”

Harden had a monster first and second quarter, posting 25 factors and 11 rebounds. It’s the first time in his 12-year profession he has accomplished that in a half.

Harden and the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James are the one gamers within the league to have a double-double in a half during which they scored at the very least 25 factors.

“When photographs are stepping into, it makes it higher. Tonight was a type of nights the place I felt good, we acquired out to a giant lead and the wave continued the complete recreation,” Harden stated.

It’s Embiid’s thirty eighth double-double, which is tied for seventh within the league. He additionally had two blocks and a steal on what was an important defensive evening for the Sixers, who blocked eight photographs and compelled 12 steals.

“We have been in synch and targeted. We performed bodily. We have been throughout them,” Embiid stated.

Amir Coffey scored 21 factors and Isaiah Hartenstein had 16 factors and eight rebounds for the Clippers, who’ve dropped 5 straight, with the final three coming by at the very least 12 factors.

The Clippers scored the primary 5 factors of the sport earlier than the Sixers took management with a 21-2 run during which Harden scored eight factors and Matisse Thybulle added six. A pair of free throws by Harden prolonged the result in 32-11 with 1:32 remaining within the first quarter.

The Clippers countered with a 17-6 run to get inside 10, however Philadelphia responded with eight straight factors to place it out of attain halfway by means of the primary half.

The Sixers had a 64-43 lead at halftime. Their largest benefit was 28 factors throughout the fourth quarter.

“We have been overmatched. They performed nicely and we did not play our greatest recreation,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue stated. “We had some probabilities to chop the lead a pair instances. We acquired some rebounds however then turned it over, after which the sport acquired away from us.”

WELCOME BACK

Sixers coach Doc Rivers — who led the Clippers for seven seasons — obtained a scoreboard tribute throughout the first timeout. It was the primary time since Rivers was fired on the finish of the 2019-20 season that he was capable of obtain applause from followers at a Clippers’ recreation.

“I waved on the finish. I do not know how one can have a video with a coach. Are you displaying me getting a tech or getting thrown out of the sport?” stated Rivers, who’s 2-2 towards his former workforce.

TIP INS

76ers: Philadelphia is 19-10 towards the Western Convention. … Thybulle had 13 factors, Tobias Harris added 12 and Tyrese Maxey 11. … Embiid leads the league with 74 quarters this season the place he has scored in double digits. … Harden grew to become the 116th participant in league historical past to succeed in 4,500 profession defensive rebounds.

Clippers: Terance Mann had 12 factors whereas Reggie Jackson added 11. … Rookie Brandon Boston Jr. missed the sport as a consequence of a non-COVID sickness.