NBA roundup: Harden and Embiid team up to knock out the Knicks, Lakers suffer humiliation
New York, New York - James Harden recorded his first triple-double for the Philadelphia 76ers who flexed their muscle with a dominant 125-109 win over the New York Knicks on Sunday.
Harden had 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 16 assists, while Joel Embiid top scored with 37 points along with nine rebounds and four blocks.
Embiid made a season-high 23 free-throws, heading to the line 27 times across the game as the 76ers relentlessly attacked the rim.
The 76ers made 39 free-throws for the game, which was the most of any team this season.
Philadelphia had contributions from beyond their star pair, though, with Tyrese Maxey scoring 21 points with seven rebounds.
But the Harden-Embiid combination is clearly paying off for the whole team. "What are you really going to do?" Embiid told ESPN after the game. "He's a great passer, and obviously I've got someone that attracts a lot of attention to him, so you've got to make a decision. Do you stay on me, or do you stay on him?"
These are big questions that the Sixers' opponents will have to find answers to in the coming weeks.
Around the league
Luka Dončić helped the Dallas Mavericks overcome a 21-point third-quarter deficit to win 107-101 over the Golden State Warriors. The Slovenian had 34 points and 11 rebounds for the Mavs, while Stephen Curry finished with 27 points and 10 assists.
The Utah Jazz claimed their eighth win from their past nine games and condemned the Chris Paul-less Phoenix Suns to their second straight defeat in a 118-114 defeat, with Rudy Gobert scoring 16 points with 14 rebounds.
Kelly Olynyk scored a match-winning buzzer beater in overtime as the Detroit Pistons beat the Charlotte Hornets 127-126, while the in-form Boston Celtics were shocked 128-107 by the Indiana Pacers.
The Los Angeles Lakers were humiliated 123-95 by the New Orleans Pelicans at home, giving up 23 turnovers for the game, which was the team's most this season.
LeBron James and Russell Westbrook combined for 14 turnovers, which was their worst return as teammates. The only positive was James scored 32 points, marking his 500th career NBA game with 30 points or more.
Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Press