Joel Embiid dropped 35 points in his return as the Philadelphia 76ers crushed the Chicago Bulls 157-137 on Wednesday night.
Embiid missed 13 games with a strained right oblique but showed no signs of rust.
The 2023 MVP made 6 of 9 shots in the first period, including all three of his 3-point tries, and had 23 points in the first to take a 71-52 halftime edge.
Paul George had 28 points in his first game since serving a 25-game suspension, and VJ Edgecombe added 22 for Philadelphia.
George was cheered throughout the night, especially after converting on three consecutive possessions early in the fourth quarter, as the 76ers were 13-12 without him.
On the other hand, Josh Giddey led the Bulls with 23 points
Meanwhile, the 76ers played without All-Star Tyrese Maxey, who missed his 10th straight game due to a right finger tendon strain. Kelly Oubre Jr. (left elbow strain) also was sidelined for the eighth consecutive contest.
Up next: the Bulls visit the Thunder on Friday, while the 76ers visit the Hornets on Saturday.
