Dallas Mavericks

Joel Embiid's triple-double lifts 76ers past Mavericks in close win

Embiid shines in return, leading Philadelphia to a 118-116 victory over Dallas

PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 4:  Spencer Dinwiddie #26 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 4, 2025 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Joel Embiid had 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in his first action in a month to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 118-116 victory Tuesday night over the Dallas Mavericks, who fell to 0-2 since trading star Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers.

Embiid recorded his first triple-double of an injury-plagued season in which he's appeared in just 14 games. A left knee injury sidelined the seven-time All-Star for the previous 15 games, and he wore a large brace on the knee.

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But he looked like his usual self, especially down the stretch. Embiid’s layup with 22 seconds left put Philadelphia ahead by a point. He grabbed a rebound on the Mavericks’ next possession and then defended the final play of the game when Dallas turned it over.

Tyrese Maxey had 33 points and 13 assists for the Sixers.

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Kyrie Irving scored 34 points for the Mavs and Naji Marshall added 19.

Newly acquired Anthony Davis (abdominal injury) didn’t play but was courtside after Sunday’s trade that brought him to Dallas in exchange for Doncic. Max Christie, also part of the deal, scored 15 points.

The Sixers' Paul George missed his fifth straight game with a finger injury.

Coach Nick Nurse said Embiid wasn't under any restrictions and he played 36 minutes, going 12 of 23 from the field and 4 of 9 from the free-throw line.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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