The Atlanta Hawks opened the post–All-Star stretch with a 117-107 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday night, riding a dominant performance from Jalen Johnson.
Johnson poured in 32 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, sealing the win late as Atlanta snapped a three-game skid and improved to 3-0 against Philadelphia this season. CJ McCollum added 23 points, while Dyson Daniels scored 15. Nickeil Alexander-Walker chipped in 14, and both Zaccharie Risacher and Jock Landale finished with 10.
Philadelphia, playing without reigning MVP Joel Embiid due to right shin soreness, was led by Tyrese Maxey’s 28 points. Rising Stars MVP VJ Edgecombe contributed 20, while Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 17. Quentin Grimes added 14 — 10 in the first half — and Andre Drummond recorded a 10-point, 14-rebound effort as the Sixers dropped their third straight.
Atlanta appeared in control after building an 11-point cushion midway through the fourth quarter, but the Sixers rallied to cut the deficit to 108-104 with under three minutes remaining. The Hawks responded with a decisive 9-3 run, highlighted by five late points from Johnson, who went 14 of 16 from the free-throw line.
Before the game, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said Embiid experienced shin soreness during a right knee injury management program over the break. The team indicated he is receiving daily treatment and progressing in his conditioning, with hopes he can return soon.
Up next:
The Hawks will host the Miami Heat on Friday, while the 76ers travel to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday
