Sixers control second half, roll past Mavericks for 111-101 victory

Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty ImagesThe Philadelphia 76ers returned home Friday night to take on the Dallas Mavericks. Despite being listed as questionable with back soreness for the second straight game, Joel Embiid suited up.

After a defensive battle through three quarters, James Harden came alive in the fourth quarter, ending with 24 points, 12 assists and seven rebounds, as the Sixers slammed the door shut on the Mavs. Embiid had 32 points, eight rebounds and four assists on 66.8 percent true shooting. Here are some thoughts and observations from Friday’s 111-101 win over Dallas.

First Half

Philly looked a little flat to start offensively, needing over three minutes just to get its…