Tobias Harris led the Philadelphia 76ers (39-32) with 24 points, supported by Tyrese Maxey’s 24-point performance in the second half, sealing a 121-107 triumph over the Los Angeles Clippers (44-26) on Sunday.
Facing his former team, James Harden, now with the Clippers, managed 12 points and 14 assists in his first game against the 76ers since his departure from Philadelphia last November.
While Harden’s performance drew attention, Cameron Payne shone for the Sixers, delivering a season-high 23 points with five 3-pointers.
Despite the Clippers’ efforts, including strong performances from Kawhi Leonard (20 points), Norman Powell (20 points), and Paul George (18 points), they struggled to contain the Sixers’ outside shooting.
The Sixers edged closer to sixth place in the Eastern Conference which would secure them a direct playoff qualification. Philadelphia is half-game behind the sixth-placed Indiana Pacers with the Miami Heat standing in between.
While the Clippers remained in fourth place in the West, their advantage over fifth-place New Orleans Pelicans is now reduced to 0.5 games.
