MEMPHIS — Joel Embiid appeared to have a free look at the basket for a last-minute dunk before Jaren Jackson Jr. flew in from behind to stick the block on the 76ers’ MVP contender.
That defensive stand preserved a victory for the Memphis Grizzlies, who topped the Sixers, 117-109, Friday night at FedEx Forum.
After winning seven out of nine games from Nov. 12-28, Friday was the Sixers’ second consecutive loss against stout competition in the Grizzlies and Cleveland Cavaliers. The Sixers (12-11) will conclude this three-game road trip Monday in Houston, which could mark the return of All-Star guard James Harden from a foot tendon strain that has kept him sidelined for nearly a month.