The 76ers managed to withstand the opponent’s counterattack in the final quarter, and finally beat the Bulls 119-108 to avoid a 3-game losing streak.
Joel Embiid had 40 points and 10 rebounds, and DeMar DeRozan had 45 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists.
Embiid started the game hot, scoring 10 points in a row from inside and outside, and the 76ers led 34-26 in the first quarter. DeRozan showed a fiery touch in the second quarter and rushed into the middle distance one following another, and the Bulls narrowed the score difference 10-2. The 76ers led 61-52 at halftime. In the third quarter, both of them had wonderful performances. Embiid made consecutive kills and free throws. DeRozan continued to shoot inside. After three quarters, the 76ers led 89-81. At the end of the quarter, DeRozan led the Bulls to counterattack in the middle distance. A wave of 13-0 chased the difference to 4 points. Embiid rushed into the inside and played hard, helping the 76ers stabilize their lead.
DeRozan played 41 minutes, 18 of 30, and contributed 45 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. DeRozan said following the game that they mightn’t win the game and make Billy Donovan the All-Star game coach, which was bad.
After leaving the Spurs, DeRozan had one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 26.6 points and 5.1 rebounds. Embiid thinks DeRozan is underrated. “I always felt he was underrated. He reminds me of Kobe Bryant.”
Embiid played 32 minutes, scored 14 of 23, scored 40 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 hot pot, and scored 25+ points in 20 consecutive games. Talking regarding his head injury following the game, “It hurts a lot, but I think I should be fine.”
