Joel Embiid and James Harden help 76ers beat Knicks 125-109 | Basketball
Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid, left, and James Harden, right, look to head coach Doc Rivers during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks on Sunday, February 27, 2022 At New York. The 76ers won 125-109.
Cam Reddish (21) of the New York Knicks throws the ball past Evan Fournier (13) of the New York Knicks after a pass from James Harden (1) during the first half of an NBA basketball game on Sunday, February 27, 2022, in New York.
Philadelphia 76ers’ James Harden (1) celebrates during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks on Sunday, February 27, 2022 in New York City. The 76ers won 125-109.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) walks to his bench as the Utah Jazz celebrate during a timeout during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, in Phoenix. The Jazz beat the Suns 118-114.
Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) celebrates during the final seconds of the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022, in Phoenix. The Jazz beat the Suns 118-114.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) drives as Utah Jazz forward Royce O’Neale (23) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday Feb. 27, 2022, in Phoenix. The Jazz beat the Suns 118-114.
By The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) — Joel Embiid scored a career-high and NBA-high 37 points and 23 free throws, James Harden had 29 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds, and the Philadelphia 76ers picked up two straight wins with their new duo by beating the New York Knicks 125-109 on Sunday.
The 76ers have made 39 free throws, the most in the NBA this season, and almost all of their work to open a close game midway through the fourth quarter has come from the line. Embiid was 23 of 27 in free throws and the NBA’s leading scorer added nine rebounds.
After a powerful performance in a 133-102 win at Minnesota on Friday in Harden’s debut for the 76ers, this one turned into a tough game that the 76ers handled better. He was tied at 100 in the fourth, but Philadelphia pulled away scoring 10 of its next 12 on the line. Embiid had six free throws, Harden four, and the 76ers’ only field goal during that streak came when Harden fed Embiid on the fast break.
Harden added five steals and tied his season-best assists record.
RJ Barrett and Evan Fournier each scored 24 points for the Knicks. They have lost five in a row and nine of 10.
MAVERICS 107, WARRIORS 101
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Luka Doncic made two free throws with 7.9 seconds left on the way to 34 points and Dallas came from 21 in the third quarter to stun Golden State.