76ers beat the Raptors in first outing since James Harden trade to the Clippers as Joel Embiid heroics seal third straight win for Philadelphia
- Harden’s desired move to the LA Clippers was finally completed earlier this week
- Just hours after his unveiling, the Sixers pulled off three straight wins against Toronto
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Joel Embiid recorded 28 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists to help the Philadelphia 76ers win their first game since trading James Harden in a 114-99 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Thursday night.
Harden, who finally sealed his desired move to the Clippers this week, spoke out about his Sixers departure during his unveiling in LA on Thursday, claiming he was forced out of the organization because the front office “had other plans.”
The 34-year-old told the press that when he was traded from the Brooklyn Nets, he arrived in Philadelphia “thinking I was going to retire as a Sixer.”
Just hours after their former guards’ comments, the Sixers made sure it wasn’t Harden at all, not a problem right now after earning their third straight win against the Raptors.
Embiid, who had a big night in the Philadelphia office, was 8 of 22 from the field and 12 of 13 from the free throw line.
Joel Embiid recorded 28 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists to help the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Toronto Raptors 114-99
It was the Sixers’ first appearance since parting ways with James Harden (photo) this week.
Tobias Harris was also present on Thursday with 23 points for Philadelphia against the Raptors
Tobias Harris and Kelly Oubre Jr. each added 23 points and Tyrese Maxey had 18 for the Sixers. Furkan Korkmaz also contributed 10.
Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 24 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. OG Anunoby added 16 points and Dennis Schroder had 13 points and 10 assists. Pascal Siakam was held to 10 points.
Toronto snapped a three-game losing streak with a 130-111 home victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night, but failed to continue the winning streak and instead pulled out the win. already two defeats to the 76ers this season.
The 76ers may need another game or two before they can finally adjust to a roster without Harden. They were used to playing without the 10-time All-Star – the 76ers went 2-1 without him – but coach Nick Nurse needs time to integrate the new additions.
Oubre’s emergence into the starting lineup in place of P.J. Tucker, who was included in the Harden deal, left the Sixers with a thin bench. Marcus Morris and Nic Batum did not play in their first game since being dealt by the Clippers. Robert Covington and KJ Martin scored some points in the final 90 seconds with the game in hand.