76ers trio uses incredible offensive performance to make NBA history vs. Raptors
The Philadelphia 76ers came from behind to top the Toronto Raptors, 121-111, on Friday thanks to a history-making performance from their big three.
Point guard Tyrese Maxey, forward Tobias Harris and reigning MVP Joel Embiid combined for 97 of the Sixers' points while becoming the first trio since the NBA/ABA merger in 1976 to finish with at least 30 points and seven assists each in a game.
Maxey and Harris finished tied for the team lead in points with 33, combining for nine three-pointers, 17 assists and 12 rebounds.
For Maxey, who came into the game averaging career-highs in points (26.1) and assists (6.7), this was another step in his maturation as the team's lead ball handler. Harris' outing, meanwhile, was a promising sign.
Before Friday's win, Harris had notched only 12 points over the Sixers' last two games. If the Sixers hope to compete in the crowded Eastern Conference, they'll need Harris to play up to his ability nightly and Friday was an excellent start.
And Embiid continued his pursuit of another MVP award with another incredible stat line.
Embiid finished an assist short of a triple-double, ending the night with 31 points -- off only eight free-throw attempts -- and 10 boards.
He extended his streak of games of 30 or more points and at least 10 rebounds to 13. Embiid is now tied with Los Angeles Lakers Hall of Famer Elgin Baylor for the eighth-longest streak in NBA history, per Stathead.
Furthermore, Embiid scored 20 points or more for the 32nd straight game and is slowly approaching the Sixers' franchise record, trailing only Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain (47) and Allen Iverson (57).
Improving to 20-8 with Friday's win over the Raptors, the Sixers are only two games back of the East-leading Boston Celtics (21-6). With Embiid playing out of his mind and a supporting cast finding their roles, Philly is one of the hottest teams in the NBA, having won eight of their last 10 contests.
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