Joel Embiid delivered a playoff career-high performance with 50 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a crucial 125-114 win over the New York Knicks on Thursday, narrowing the deficit in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series to 2-1.
Embiid showcased his dominance, shooting an impressive 13 of 19 from the field and a near-perfect 19 of 21 from the free-throw line. His stellar performance was instrumental in the Sixers bouncing back after dropping two closely contested games in New York to start the best-of-seven series.
Tyrese Maxey contributed significantly with 25 points, while Kelly Oubre Jr. added 15 and Cameron Payne chipped in with 11 for the Sixers.
On the opposing side, Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 39 points and 13 assists, supported by Josh Hart’s 20 points and OG Anunoby’s 17. Isaiah Hartenstein also made an impact with 14 points.
The victory was pivotal for Philadelphia as they look to build momentum and turn the series around heading into the next games.
Magic Dominate Cavaliers in Game 3
In another playoff matchup, Paolo Banchero starred with 31 points and 14 rebounds to guide the Orlando Magic to a commanding 121-83 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.
Banchero, who sank four 3-pointers and grabbed seven offensive rebounds, fueled the fifth-seeded Magic’s offensive explosion, which saw them amass 96 points by the end of the third quarter. The win helped Orlando narrow the series deficit to 2-1.
Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert both contributed 15 points for the Cavaliers, who endured their worst postseason defeat in franchise history.
Nuggets Edge Lakers, Take 3-0 Series Lead
Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets continued their dominance over the Los Angeles Lakers with a 112-105 victory in Game 3, moving one win away from advancing to the Western Conference semifinals.
Jokic led the charge with 24 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists, while Aaron Gordon added 29 points and 15 rebounds. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. also made significant contributions with 22 and 20 points, respectively.
Despite a strong effort from Anthony Davis (33 points, 15 rebounds) and LeBron James (26 points, nine assists), the Lakers find themselves on a rare three-game losing streak, facing an uphill battle in the series.
The Nuggets’ victory extends their winning streak against the Lakers to 11 games, putting them in a commanding position as they aim to close out the series.
