Joel Embiid Bolsters MVP Case, Scores 52 in Sixers’ Win Against Celtics

• The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night
• Joel Embiid led the way for the Sixers with another 50-point outing
• James Harden also registered a double-double for Philadelphia

The Philadelphia 76ers kept their hopes of landing the second seed in the Eastern Conference alive with a 103-101 win over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night.

They moved within two games of the Celtics in the current NBA standings with just three games remaining on their schedule.

Joel Embiid starred for the Sixers, who have won three of their last four games.

He bolstered his MVP bid with Tuesday’s performance, scoring 52 points and grabbing 13 rebounds against the Celtics. Embiid shot 20 of 25 from the field and made 12 of his 13 free throws, per ESPN.

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Embiid and Harden power Sixers

He recorded another double-double in what was his ninth game this season with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds. Embiid has scored at least 50 points three times this campaign.

He got some help from James Harden, who also had a double-double with 20 points and 10 assists.

P.J. Tucker also contributed, draining three 3-pointers late in the fourth quarter to help turn a one-point deficit into a 101-95 advantage for the Sixers.

Sixers survive Celtics' late rally

There is no quit with the Celtics though, as they made a furious fightback in the dying seconds. Derrick White knocked down a 3-pointer with two seconds left to cut the lead to two points.

Embiid got called for an offensive foul in the ensuing possession, giving the ball back to the Celtics. However, Boston couldn’t capitalize as Jayson Tatum’s game-tying attempt fell short at the buzzer.

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Giannis outduels Embiid

Sports Brief recently reported on the Sixers’ loss to the Milwaukee Bucks with an impressive 117-104 scoreline.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 33 points in 31 minutes, racking up 14 rebounds, six assists, and three blocks.

He was said to have outdueled Embiid, who registered 28 points, nine rebounds, and five assists for Philly.