MY ACCOUNT
MVP contender Joel Embiid insists the Philadelphia 76ers are not focusing on the race for top seed in the east after Friday’s 122-97 win over the Los Angeles Clippers moved them within one game of top spot.
Embiid scored 27 points with 10 rebounds, with team-mate James Harden adding 29 points with four three-pointers along with a season-high 15 rebounds and seven assists.
The victory improved the 76ers to a 46-27 record and second in the east, moving within one game of Eastern Conference-leading Miami Heat (47-27) who lost 111-103 to the New York Knicks.
Reigning champions, the Milwaukee Bucks, are third in the Eastern Conference with a 46-27 record, with the Boston Celtics in fourth with a 46-28 record.
“Our focus is just on getting better every single day,” Embiid told reporters after the win. “Whether it’s offensively or defensively, we’re not worried about the standings.
“We just want to get to the point where we know what we’re doing at all the times on the court, especially on the offensive side.
“That’s what we’ve been working on. That’s what coach has been on to us about focusing on the details, so we can get there.”
Harden joined the 76ers last month in a blockbuster trade that saw Ben Simmons headed the other way to the Brooklyn Nets.
Friday’s win marked the first time since the move that the pair had both recorded double-doubles in the same game together.
The 76ers have improved with Harden playing alongside Embiid, but the duo’s synergy remains a work in progress.
“We’re getting better. The one-two has to be there first. It is. The rest will follow,” Sixers head coach Doc Rivers said.
Harden, who is averaging 23 points and 7.6 rebounds since moving to the 76ers, added: “Things are headed in the right direction, but every single day we are focusing on execution and details.
“There are going to be different ways we are going to have to win in the playoffs, and we have to be prepared for that.”
The 76ers’ next two games are against last season’s NBA Finals sides, the Phoenix Suns and the Bucks.
