The NBA play-in tournament continued Wednesday as four teams looked to get one step closer to a playoff berth.
An Eastern Conference matchup between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers kicked off the night. The 76ers won 109-97 to advance to face the second-seeded Boston Celtics on Sunday. The Magic will play the Charlotte Hornets on Friday for the No. 8 seed. The Hornets beat the Miami Heat 127-126 in overtime Tuesday to advance.
Missing Joel Embiid after the center underwent emergency surgery after being diagnosed with appendicitis, Tyrese Maxey led the way for the Sixers with 31 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter. Rookie VJ Edgecombe put up 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Kelly Oubre Jr. matched him in scoring.
Orlando's offense struggled all night outside of Desmond Bane, who dropped 34 points on 10-of-16 shooting.
The LA Clippers and Golden State Warriors played in the final game of the night. The Warriors stormed back to defeat the Clippers 126-121 in a wild win, ending LA's season. Golden State will play the Phoenix Suns on Friday with the No. 8 seed on the line. The Portland Trail Blazers beat the Suns 114-110 on Tuesday to advance to face the second-seeded San Antonio Spurs on Sunday.
Stephen Curry dropped 35 points for the Warriors, 27 of which came in the second half, on 12-of-23 shooting, and Gui Santos and Kristaps Porzingis had 20 points each. Bennedict Mathurin led the Clippers with 23 points. Kawhi Leonard and Darius Garland added 21 apiece, though the latter fouled out with 46 seconds remaining in the game.
Here are the top moments and highlights from Wednesday's play-in games.
