For the second time in a week, perennial All-Star center and MVP candidate Joel Embiid had his way with the Rockets as the 76ers cruised to a 111-91 victory (box score) at Toyota Center. The loss concluded a winless three-game homestand for Houston, which dropped to 11-31.
For Philadelphia (23-16), it’s a seventh straight win. Embiid led the way with 31 points (56.3% FG), 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in only 26 minutes, giving him 30+ points for a second time versus Houston in one week.
The defense by the Rockets was slightly improved, since they had allowed an average of more than 135 points per game in the previous two losses. However, the offense took a step back versus the Sixers, as shown by 39.0% overall shooting, 31.0% on 3-pointers, and 20 turnovers. Houston scored just 41 points in the second half and 19 in the fourth quarter, which could reflect tired legs after a third game in four nights.
Here’s a look at player grades and postgame reaction following Monday’s loss to the 76ers. Grades are limited to players who played clear rotation minutes, and Eric Gordon is excluded because he sat out due to back-to-back considerations. Houston returns to action on Wednesday night in San Antonio to start a five-game Western Conference road trip.
