(Field Level Media) Joel Embiid had a season-high 42 points to go along with 18 rebounds and four blocked shots to lift the Philadelphia 76ers past the visiting Charlotte Hornets 133-132 in overtime last night.
It was the eighth game for Embiid this season with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds.
Ben Simmons racked up 22 points, eight rebounds and 13 assists while Dario Saric added 18 points and nine rebounds while JJ Redick added 17 off the bench as the Sixers improved to 7-0 at home for the first time since 2002-03.
Kemba Walker scored 22 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter and overtime as Jeremy Lamb added 17. Dwayne Bacon also had 15 for the Hornets, who had their two-game winning streak snapped.
Simmons knocked down a pair of free throws and Saric followed with his fourth 3-pointer of the half for a 65-50 Philadelphia advantage heading into the locker room.
The Sixers led 100-91 three minutes into the fourth as Walker continued to struggle, missing 15 of his 17 shots. On Charlotte’s next possession, however, Walker drilled a 3-pointer and the Sixers’ lead was cut to 100-94.
Walker stayed hot and suddenly the Hornets trailed just 104-103 after a 15-foot jumper with 6:53 left.
Bacon came back with a jumper on Charlotte’s next possession and the Hornets moved ahead 105-104 with 6:27 remaining.
After Embiid hit a pair of free throws, Walker proceeded to hit a triple from the top of the key for a 117-112 lead with 1:18 left.
Embiid scored the next five points, including a 3-pointer, to tie the game at 117 with 34.4 seconds remaining.
Walker responded with a tough driving layup as the Hornets went back in front 119-117.
Embiid knocked down two more free throws and the game ended up going to overtime.
Redick‘s jumper gave the Sixers a 127-124 lead in overtime with 2:22 remaining.
But Monk got loose under the basket and converted a three-point play to tie the game again at 127 with 1:33 left.
Simmons’ tough driving layup put the Sixers up 131-127.
Simmons blocked a potential game-tying 3-pointer by Walker on the baseline to preserve the win.
