NBA: Joel Embiid returns to winning ways with new look

We've known Joel Embiid for several years for his afro and unruly hair… but that was before 2023. For his first NBA game of the year after several days on the sidelines, the Cameroonian returned to the court with a new look: braids. In his play, though, nothing has changed. The All-Star centre ran riot against his opponents. Philadelphia crushed the Detroit Pistons 147-116.

Power, driving to the basket, shooting, Joel Embiid did it all well, or nearly. His stat line: 36 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist, all in just 24 minutes on court. Alongside him, James Harden recorded the 72nd triple-double of his NBA career with 16 points, 12 rebounds and 15 assists and, above all, it is already his 5th game of the season with 15 or more assists. Nobody in the league has done better this season. The Sixers have a record of 25 wins and 15 defeats this season and sit 4th in the East. For the Pistons, Guinean Hamidou Diallo got by with 14 points and 8 rebounds.

https://twitter.com/sixers/status/1613008000834482178

Toronto and their African players in party mood

Still in the East, Toronto notched a second straight NBA win. Their victims this time were Charlotte. The Raptors won 132-120. What's more, Pascal Siakam's teammates set a season high, hitting 20 three-pointers in this game. No team has reached that total so far this season. Siakam stood out from the pack with 28 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Alongside him, OG Anunoby also made his mark with 22 points. On defence, rookie Christian Koloko showed his claws with 8 rebounds and 6 points. Off the bench, Precious Achiuwa posted 13 points in 12 minutes. Despite the win, Toronto are still a long way from the play-offs. The Raptors are 11th with a losing record (18-23).

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