UNDATED (AP) — Joel Embiid (joh-EHL’ ehm-BEED’) took another step toward an NBA scoring title and a possible MVP award.
Embiid recorded an impressive double-double that led the 76ers past the Pacers, 133-120. He poured in 41 points on 14 of 17 from the field and 11 of 15 from the line. He’s comfortably ahead of Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH’-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON’-poh) in the scoring race.
Embiid also had 20 rebounds.
James Harden had 22 points and 14 assists for the Sixers, who still have a shot at the third seed in the East.
Checking out Saturday’s other NBA action:
— Ja (jah) Morant returned to the Grizzlies’ lineup and furnished 21 points and nine assists in 27 minutes of a 141-114 laugher over the Pelicans. Morant was activated after missing nine games with right knee soreness. Memphis had seven players score in double figures, led by 23 points from Dillon Brooks and 20 from Brandon Clarke off the bench.
— The Warriors made it four straight wins as Jonathan Kuminga (kuh-MIHN’-gah) and Jordan Poole each had 18 points in a 100-94 decision over the Spurs. Golden State is a game ahead of Dallas in the Western Conference and can secure the third seed with a victory Sunday at New Orleans in the season finale. If the Warriors lose, and the Mavericks beat the Spurs on Sunday, Dallas will finish third after going 3-1 in its season series with Golden State.
— Paul George scored 23 points and Ivica Zubac (ih-VEET’-sah ZOO’-bahts) added 15 with 12 rebounds in the Clippers’ four wins in a row, 117-98 against the Kings. Norman Powell had 20 points off the bench for the Clippers, who will face Minnesota on Tuesday in the play-in tournament. A victory would send Los Angeles to the postseason for the fourth straight year and a first-round matchup against Memphis.
