Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey spearheaded the Philadelphia 76ers’ effort, each scoring 32 points to secure a 114-111 win over the Utah Jazz on Saturday night. The victory pushed Philadelphia’s record to 12-17, while Utah fell to 7-23.
The Sixers overcame a 14-point first-half deficit, thanks largely to Embiid’s consistent trips to the free-throw line, where he converted 11 of 13 attempts. Maxey’s late-game heroics included a critical go-ahead three-pointer and clutch free throws that sealed the result.
Philadelphia’s comeback began with a 24-5 run in the second quarter, which turned a 14-point hole into a 52-47 halftime lead. Embiid capped the run with consecutive buckets.
Utah showed resilience, erasing an 11-point third-quarter deficit to take a 101-95 lead midway through the fourth. Brice Sensabaugh’s pull-up three-pointer fueled the surge. However, Embiid and Maxey responded with crucial baskets to regain control for the 76ers.
The Jazz struggled with turnovers, committing 22, which led to 22 points for Philadelphia. Despite Utah’s 54% shooting in the first quarter and Lauri Markkanen’s team-high 23 points, they managed only two baskets in the final 4:35 of the game.
Maxey’s scoring barrage included five three-pointers and nine free throws, while Embiid added four assists and three blocks to his stat line. Paul George contributed defensively with a season-high five steals, complementing his 13 points.
For Utah, Collin Sexton and Sensabaugh added 20 points apiece, providing much-needed scoring support. Sensabaugh’s efficient shooting included three makes from beyond the arc. Walker Kessler grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds, but his efforts couldn’t offset Utah’s critical miscues.
Philadelphia’s bench, led by Guerschon Yabusele’s 12 points and eight rebounds, provided timely contributions. Yabusele’s physicality in the paint helped neutralize Utah’s attempts to dominate the boards.
Late-game execution proved to be the deciding factor. After Maxey’s go-ahead three-pointer, Utah had a chance to equalize in the closing seconds. Markkanen hit a three-pointer with 4.1 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to one, but Maxey’s free throws following a foul sealed the game.
