The Philadelphia 76ers’ star center Joel Embiid failed to extend his underrated winning streak against the Chicago Bulls. While Embiid put together another big performance with 37 points and 16 rebounds versus the Bulls on Monday night, it was still not enough for the 76ers to avoid a 109-105 double-overtime loss.
Embiid entered the game having never lost to the Bulls in his NBA career. He faced the famed franchise 12 times before and got a win each time. However, his supporting cast had an off-night, with fellow superstar James Harden shooting 2-14 and managing only five points. Embiid, who has now scored 30+ points in 10 straight games, fouled out in the second overtime.
The Bulls, on the other hand, were carried by their star trio of DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic. They became the first trio of teammates in the 2022-23 season to have 20+ points and 3+ steals apiece, and the first trio to do it for Chicago since 1977-78.
The loss has ended the 76ers’ eight-game winning streak and prevented them from jumping over the Boston Celtics on the Eastern Conference standings. Philly remained the third seed, trailing the Celtics by half a game and the leading Milwaukee Bucks by three games.
The Bulls, on the other hand, solidified their spot in the Play-In tournament. They remain at No. 10 but now have two games in hand over the Washington Wizards at No. 11.
