Dwight Howard and the rest of the Philadelphia 76ers want to make sure that the NBA is aware that they're winning games even without their MVP candidate in Joel Embiid.
On Thursday, the Sixers snapped a two-game skid after beating the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road, 114-94. This is the 1oth straight game they've been without Embiid as the All-Star big man has been dealing with a knee issue.
Howard held the fort and made his presence felt with huge contributions coming off the bench. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year had 18 points and 15 rebounds and issued a scary warning after the game (via ESPN).
“When we add Joel back, it will be lights out.”
The Sixers are definitely more than happy to end their six-game road trip with a win, finishing 4-2 in the stretch. Despite the absence of Embiid, players like Howard have stepped up big time and have made coach Doc Rivers' job a bit easier. After the game, Rivers acknowledged the maturity his team has shown in the second half of the season, particularly without Embiid.
“That was a heck of a trip for us. I think we're on the other side now. Now our guys don't care. They just win.”
Even with the absence of Embiid, who's averaging team-highs of 29.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game, the Sixers have managed to cement their spot as the second seed in the Eastern Conference behind the Brooklyn Nets. The rest of the NBA should consider themselves warned. Right, Dwight Howard?
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