Despite two previous matchups since the blockbuster trade last February, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons took the court as opponents for the first time Wednesday night, and the fireworks were certainly on display.
The Sixers outlasted the Nets 137-133 in a marathon game that saw the two teams combine to shoot 63 free throws. Tyrese Maxey led the way for the Sixers with 27 points, shooting 6 of 9 from beyond the arc. Joel Embiid shot just 6 of 18 from the field, but went 13 of 13 from the line on his way to 26 points. James Harden had a big second half, putting up 23 points and seven assists.