Both teams combined for 46 three-pointers, marking the second-most ever in a NBA game.
The Philadelphia 76ers (16-27) pulled off a 132-129 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers (36-8) on Friday night to end their 7-game losing streak. Despite missing Joel Embiid, the 76ers hit 21 three-pointers and got a huge performance from Paul George to take down the Eastern Conference leaders. Interestingly, it was only the second time this season that the Cavs lost after leading at halftime.
Cleveland struggled without Evan Mobley, and they were also without Caris LeVert and Isaac Okoro. The lack of key players really showed, especially in the paint, and the Cavs leaned on Ty Jerome’s 33 points to stay in it. Donovan Mitchell also had a solid night with 37 points and seven assists. Despite the loss, Cleveland still has a significant lead in the East.
The two teams combined for 46 three-pointers, marking the second-most ever in a NBA game, just behind the 48 made threes set by the Warriors and Mavericks in December. The 76ers drilled 21 shots from beyond the arc, while the Cavaliers shot 25 three-pointers.
Philadelphia’s win was all about the team effort. Even without Embiid and Andre Drummond, the 76ers outperformed the Cavs in points in the paint, offensive rebounds, and free throws, making it a really physical game. Paul George was the standout, finishing with 30 points, five rebounds, and three assists, and he came up big in the second half when the Cavs briefly took the lead. Tyrese Maxey also chipped in with 29 points and seven assists, playing a key role in the win.
The game was tight from the get-go. Cleveland moved the ball well and got good looks, while Philly relied on one-on-one plays and made some tough shots. The biggest lead for either team was just eight points, and there were 30 lead changes in total.
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At the end of the first quarter, the 76ers led 39-33, having hit eight of their first 11 three-point attempts. Early on, Philly was playing more individually, but their three-point shooting gave them some confidence, and they started passing the ball better against Cleveland’s zone defense.
The second quarter saw Donovan Mitchell take over, helping the Cavs tie the game. It was back and forth, but Cleveland held a slim 67-64 lead at halftime.
The second half turned into a duel between Paul George and Ty Jerome. Both guys were the clear standouts after the break. The Cavs got up by eight at one point, but Philly’s defense, especially in the paint, kept them in the game. With George stepping up, the 76ers stayed close.
Jerome seemed to be in control, putting Cleveland up 116-110 and looking like they might pull away. But then George and Eric Gordon stepped up for the 76ers, scoring 13 straight points to put Philly ahead 123-116 with just over three minutes left. They pushed their lead to 123-116 with under two minutes left, but then their offense slowed down.
The game nearly slipped away for the Cavs when Jerome missed a crucial free throw. He also threw an errant inbounds pass, giving the 76ers a chance to seal the win. Cleveland had one last shot at tying it with a three-pointer, but Philly held on for the win.
Next up, the 76ers will face the Chicago Bulls on the road on Saturday, while the Cavaliers will host the Houston Rockets the same day.
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