McConnell's Shot at Buzzer Gives 76ers Win Over Knicks

By ESPN

Joel Embiid wrapped his hands around T.J. McConnell's neck, and let out a yell for a victory sweeter than the taste of endless rounds of Shirley Temples.

With his team down 10 with 2:29 left, Embiid sparked a 76ers' rally like the franchise player Philly expects him to become. McConnell's baseline jumper for the win, well, that was just the cherry on top.

McConnell shot at the buzzer gave the suddenly streaking Philadelphia 76ers a 98-97 victory over the New York Knicks on Wednesday night.

Embiid had 21 points and 14 rebounds to help the Sixers rally from a 17-point deficit and win for the fourth time in five games.

"Playoff time, baby," Embiid said.

The postseason still seems a bit optimistic for the Sixers. But playoff hopes are crashing for the Knicks with their ninth loss in 10 games.

Derrick Rose returned from a one-game hiatus and scored 25 points for the Knicks. Carmelo Anthony had 28.

Rose showed why New York needs him on the court, two days after an unexcused absence. He missed Monday night's loss to New Orleans when he traveled home to Chicago without informing the team first.

Rose stepped back for a mid-range jumper with 1:24 left that pushed New York's lead to 95-89, and he cut through the lane for an up-and-under bucket on Embiid that kept the lead at three.

Embiid banked in a 3-pointer and had fans chanting "Trust the Process!" He followed with a layup to make it a one-point game and McConnell, who scored eight points, shot one over Anthony at the horn to send the crowd into a frenzy.

Wednesday, January 11 Scoreboard

Philadelphia 98, New York 97

Oklahoma City 103, Memphis 95

Minnesota 119, Houston 105

Boston 117, Washington 108

Los Angeles Clippers 105, Orlando 96

Portland 102, Cleveland 86

Thursday, January 12 Schedule (All Times Central)

Indiana at Denver, 2 p.m.

New Orleans at Brooklyn, 6:30 p.m.

Chicago at New York, 7 p.m.

Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio, 7:30 p.m.

Dallas at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Detroit at Golden State, 9:30 p.m.

Friday, January 13 Schedule (All Times Central)

Charlotte at Philadelphia, 6 p.m.

Brooklyn at Toronto, 6:30 p.m.

Miami at Milwaukee, 7 p.m.

Memphis at Houston, 7 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Minnesota, 7 p.m.

Boston at Altanta, 7 p.m.

Orlando at Portland, 9 p.m.

Cleveland at Sacramento, 9:30 p.m.

Detroit at Utah, 9:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 14 Schedule (All Times Central)

Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers, 2:30 p.m.

New Orleans at Chicago, 4 p.m.

San Antonio at Phoenix, 5 p.m.

Philadelphia at Washington, 7 p.m.

Orlando at Utah, 8 p.m.

Sunday, January 15 Schedule (All Times Central)

Minnesota at Dallas, 1 p.m.

New York at Toronto, 2 p.m.

Milwaukee at Atlanta, 2 p.m.

Houston at Brooklyn, 5 p.m.

Oklahoma City at Sacramento, 8 p.m.

Chicago at Memphis, 8 p.m.

Detroit at Los Angeles Lakers, 8:30 p.m.