Sixers topple Jazz in enthralling overtime showcase for Joel EMVPIID

Tonight, the Sixers defeated the Western Conference-leading Utah Jazz, 131-123, in overtime.

For much of the game, the Jazz led by around 10 points, due in large part to its overwhelming lead in attempted and made 3-pointers. The Sixers won this one despite making only eight 3s to Utah’s 21.

It was a scintillating contest, and one certain to provide a feather in the cap of MVP hopeful Joel Embiid. Versus two-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, Embiid totaled 40 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, two blocks and a steal. Gobert went 4-of-10 from the field. Embiid tied the game with 5.9 seconds left in regulation on a 3-pointer from the wing. He was simply incredible.

Ben Simmons didn’t have a great night, defensively, often ‘dying’ on Utah screens whilst guarding Donovan Mitchell. Simmons stepped up and made some big defensive plays in the overtime period, and did ensure that it took Mitchell 34 shots to score 33 points, before being ejected in OT. Simmons, himself, had 17 points, six assists, four rebounds and a steal.

Tobias Harris — in his first game back from a knee contusion which sat him out the team’s past two contests — didn’t play particularly well in regulation, but went off in overtime. Time and again, he punished Jazz wing Royce O’Neal in the extra period.

Shake Milton’s stats weren’t great (12 points on 11 shots, three assists to two turnovers), but I thought he played extremely under control. He was rewarded for his steady play with crunch-time minutes over Danny Green, who went just 1-of-6 from the field and 1-of-5 from 3.

The Sixers now head into the All-Star break on the back of a resume-building victory and with a record of 24-12.