PHILADElPHIA, PA — The NBA’s top scorers, Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid, faced off against each other as the Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers met for a Monday night contest at Wells Fargo Center.
Jokic, the reigning MVP, won the battle as he led the Nuggets to a 114-110 win. He finished with a double-double putting up 22 points and 13 rebounds. His eight assists came with some eye-catching, quarterback-style passes to his teammates.
Jokic wasn’t the only player to shine for the Nuggets, as Will Barton finished with 20 points and Monte Morris finished with 11 points.
His opponent, Embiid, finished the contest with 34 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. Although Embiid won the battle in scoring, it wasn’t enough for the Sixers.
The 76ers gained early control of the game with stellar ball movement. They forced the Nuggets to turn the ball over early, giving them a 19 point lead.
However, Philadelphia would quickly lose their lead, as Denver cut it to five during a 10-0 run in the final two minutes of the quarter. Once the third quarter began, the Nuggets would carry over that momentum which helped them gain a 66-63 lead.
The score was tight throughout the night, which led them to the fourth, where the Nuggets’ shooters woke up. Denver flipped the switch. After shooting 6 of 23 in the first three quarters from the three-point line, the Nuggets made 7 of 10 from beyond the arc in the fourth keeping them alive. They finished the night shooting 40% (13-33) on the night, while the 76ers shot 36% (12-33) on the night.
Nuggets Bench
The Nuggets bench would outscore the Sixers’ bench 48-14. Led by Nah’Shon Bones Hyland, who finished with 21 points, as he was a factor in Denver’s three-point party in the fourth. He made 4 of 9 from behind the arc, the most on the team. Jamychal Green came off the bench, finishing in double figures scoring 10 points.
Sixers’ Shooters
Four of the Sixers’ starters finished in double figures in scoring. To back it up, Embiid had s double-double to end the night. He scored 24 points while picking up 11 boards. Tyrese Maxey has earned himself more minutes this season than last. Monday night showcased it, as he put up 19 points while dishing out three assists. However, Denver won the field goal battle for the night as they shot 54% on the night, whereas Philadelphia at 43%.
Up Next
The Philadelphia 76ers will face the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 16 at 7 p.m. EST.
The Denver Nuggets will face the Washington Wizards on March 16 at 7 p.m. EST.
