The Philadelphia 76ers held off the Minnesota Timberwolves 115-103 Friday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena, staying sixth in the Eastern Conference with five games left in the regular season.
Paul George led Philadelphia with 23 points, while Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 21 each. Joel Embiid returned from illness to contribute 19 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists.
The 76ers trailed 70-68 with under three minutes left in the third before a 15-of-16 scoring run, highlighted by Embiid’s 13 points, propelled them into an 83-71 lead entering the fourth quarter. Maxey added six points during the surge, and Quentin Grimes finished with consecutive fast-break layups.
George extended Philadelphia’s advantage with a 3-pointer with 6:30 remaining, giving the team a 17-point lead. Minnesota cut it to six in the final 90 seconds, but Oubre secured the win with back-to-back 3-pointers.
Minnesota struggled offensively despite Julius Randle and Bones Hyland each scoring 21 points. Anthony Edwards returned after missing the previous game due to illness but managed only eight points on 3-of-15 shooting, including 0-for-7 from 3-point range.
The 76ers shot 50% from the field, including 35% from 3-point range, and made 24 of 28 free throws. Minnesota connected on 38% of its shots and 33% from deep while committing 13 turnovers.
Philadelphia hosts the Detroit Pistons on Saturday night, aiming to maintain its playoff position. Minnesota will face the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday, seeking to regain rhythm in the Western Conference race.
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