Embiid gets shoved, then gets motivated

PHILADELPHIA 118 BOSTON 115

Boston’s dominance of the Philadelphia 76ers has been frustrating for Joel Embiid. So when Marcus Smart angrily shoved the star big man to the ground, Embiid had finally had enough.

Embiid had 37 points, 22 rebounds and a key block on Kyrie Irving with 35 seconds remaining to lead the host 76ers over the Celtics for their sixth straight victory.

Smart took objection to Embiid sticking his left elbow out as Smart ran past the Philadelphia center on defense. With Embiid’s back turned, Smart gave Embiid a twohanded shove that sent him sprawling toward the sideline. After an officials’ review, Smart was ejected for a Flagrant 2 foul.

A motivated Embiid scored the next eight points.

at Memphis 126, Houston 125

(OT): James Harden scored 57 points but the Grizzlies outlasted Houston to hand the Rockets only their second loss in the last 14 games.

Miami 110, at San Antonio 105:

Goran Dragic had 22 points and the Heat snapped the Spurs' ninegame winning streak, sending Dwyane Wade home a winner in his final game in San Antonio.

at Orlando 119, New Orleans 96:

Evan Fournier scored 22 points and Aaron Gordon added 20 and the Magic routed the Pelicans for their third win in a row.

at Cleveland 107, Milwaukee 102:

Rookie Collin Sexton scored 25 points, Jordan Clarkson added 23 and the Cavaliers beat a Bucks team missing superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.

at Portland 126, Dallas 118:

Damian Lillard had 33 points and 12 assists to lead the Trail Blazers, who have won five of six as they try to secure home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Utah 137, at New York 116: Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points, Rudy Gobert made all seven shots and added 18 points, and the Jazz romped to their fifth straight lopsided victory.

Toronto 123, at Oklahoma City 114

(OT): Pascal Siakam had 33 points and 13 rebounds, Fred VanVleet added 23 points and six assists and the Raptors rallied after blowing a 20-point lead in the second half.

at Chicago 126, Washington 120:

Lauri Markkanen had 32 points and 13 rebounds, Kris Dunn scored a season-high 26 to go with 13 assists, and the Bulls beat the fading Wizards.