Prominent player scores 51 points and extends historic streak as Philadelphia 76ers beat Minnesota Timberwolves

In a commanding effort, reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid scored 51 points and pulled down 12 rebounds as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-113.

According to the NBA, Embiid’s impressive stat line increased his run of at least 30 points and 10 rebounds to 12 games, which is the longest since Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar accomplished it in 16 straight games during the 1971–72 season.

“All that matters is that we’re winning,” Embiid declared. “It’s great to post stats, and stats are great.” That is a different story, though, if it comes with a loss. It matters a lot more if there is a victory.

Thankfully, Embiid was able to celebrate his accomplishment on Wednesday along with a well-earned win.

With the best record in the NBA and the top seed in the Western Conference, the Timberwolves took the field at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center. The ‘Wolves, who are regarded as one of this season’s surprise packages, are led by the prolific pair of former No. 1 overall picks Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards, as well as perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate Rudy Gobert.

The Sixers, who had a slim three-point lead going into the fourth quarter, outscored Minnesota by eleven points in the last frame to close out the game and earn a crucial victory.

Embiid recorded his seventh career 50-point performance in addition to three assists, two steals, and a block. With 35 points and five assists, Tyrese Maxey, his Sixers teammate, made a significant contribution as well.

Embiid remarked, “I felt like I was playing within the offense and not forcing anything.” “I accepted what was being offered to me. Additionally, I’ve been attempting to discern when to use aggression and when to give my teammates room to operate.

Philadelphia 76ers' Tobias Harris (12) goes up for a shot against Minnesota Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert (27) and Anthony Edwards (5) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2023, in Philadelphia.

Chris Finch, the head coach of Minnesota, expressed regret after the game about allowing the 76ers to win easily in the fourth quarter.

He told reporters, “I thought we would find a run or a rhythm.” “We definitely needed it to be under 30, but thirty-seven points (for Philadelphia) in the fourth quarter is way too much.”

Minnesota’s 20-6 record keeps them atop the West despite the setback. In the second part of a back-to-back, the top seed returns home to play the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday night.

The 76ers, meanwhile, are currently 19-8 on the season and are the third seed in the East. The Toronto Raptors will visit Philadelphia on Friday.

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