NBA roundup: Sixers' Embiid makes MVP statement against the Celtics, LeBron leads Lakers to win

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Philadelphia 76ers center and NBA MVP hopeful Joel Embiid put together arguably his best game of the season on Tuesday to deliver a 103-101 home win against the Boston Celtics.

Philadelphia 76ers forward Joel Embiid takes a shot against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Joel Embiid takes a shot against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum.  © USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

Embiid put up 52 points – over half of his team's total and the third-most in his career – while shooting a remarkable 20-of-25 from the field. He also grabbed 13 rebounds, dished six assists, and blocked two shots in his 39 minutes.

The 29-year-old, who has finished as the runner-up in the past two MVP votes, had never scored more than 50 points in a game prior to this season, but he has done so three times this campaign, highlighted by a 59-point, 11-rebound, eight-assist, seven-block showing against the Utah Jazz in November.

Against the Celtics, Embiid was supported in style by James Harden as the 76ers' second star chipped in 20 points (seven-of-17 shooting) and 10 assists with no turnovers. It was only his second game this season without a turnover.

WNBA Finals: Lynx edge Liberty in Game 4 to force winner-take-all showdown
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Meanwhile, the Celtics were left short-handed as All-Star Jaylen Brown was ruled out in the hours leading up to tip-off, and Jayson Tatum was disappointing in his highly anticipated showdown against Embiid, delivering just 19 points on seven-of-20 shooting with six rebounds, six assists, and three steals.

Tatum had a plus/minus of minus 13 in his 38 minutes, meaning Boston were plus 11 in the 10 minutes he was on the bench.

LeBron lifts the Lakers in overtime

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James passes the ball over Utah Jazz forward Simone Fontecchio in the third quarter at Vivint Arena.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James passes the ball over Utah Jazz forward Simone Fontecchio in the third quarter at Vivint Arena.  © USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

The Los Angeles Lakers have now won seven of their past eight fixtures after a 135-133 overtime victory on the road against the Utah Jazz.

It was a mediocre offensive showing from the red-hot Anthony Davis as he shot just seven-of-16 from the field and seven-of-12 from the free throw line for his 21 points, but he added 14 rebounds, six assists, two steals, and two blocks.

Instead it was LeBron James coming through for the Lakers, producing his best game since the All-Star break with 37 points (14-of-27 shooting), six assists, and five rebounds.

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Austin Reaves stepped up in D'Angelo Russell's absence, contributing 28 points (eight-of-13) and six assists in an equal team-high 42 minutes.

The win improved the Lakers' record to 41-38, leaving them tied with the Los Angeles Clippers for the sixth-best record in the West – with the Lakers and Clippers to face off on Wednesday.

Warriors stay out of the play-in

Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole makes a layup in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center.
Golden State Warriors guard Jordan Poole makes a layup in front of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey in the fourth quarter at the Chase Center.  © USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

The Golden State Warriors were at risk of being leapfrogged by the Lakers and falling into the play-in tournament placings, before coming from behind to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 136-125.

It was the Thunder leading 106-102 heading into the fourth quarter, but with Klay Thompson missing through injury, Jordan Poole stepped up as the Warriors' hero.

Poole scored 18 points in the fourth quarter while the Thunder scored 19 as a team, with the fourth-year guard finishing with 30 points (eight-of-19 shooting).

Stephen Curry was just as good, dropping a game-high 34 points (11-of-25), while Most Improved Player candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 32 points (11-of-17) and seven assists for the Thunder.

The win means the Warriors have jumped the Clippers into the fifth seed with just two games remaining, while the Thunder's loss keeps the Dallas Mavericks alive, with just a half-game separating the 10th and 11th seeds.

Cover photo: Collage: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

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