The Timberwolves’ three-game win streak was almost single-handedly halted by Joel Embiid as the 7-foot superstar scored 39 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 117-94 win over Minnesota in Minneapolis Tuesday night.
Embiid erupted for 39 points and didn’t even need to play in the fourth quarter. He fueled a 15-2 Philly run to close the first half and then lit up Minnesota’s defense for 21 points in the third quarter, giving Philadelphia a 87-68 lead entering the final 12 minutes.
Tyrese Maxey scored 27, taking the reigns left vacant by James Harden, who missed the game due to foot soreness.
Anthony Edwards was the only effective offensive weapon for the Timberwolves. The 21-year-old scored 32 points on 12-of-24 shooting. Minnesota’s next leading scorer was Taurean Prince with 13 points off the bench. Naz Reid had 11.
The rest of Minnesota’s starters combined for 22 points on 7-of-25 shooting.
Up next: Timberwolves vs. Brooklyn Nets, Friday at 7 p.m.
