In Jimmy Butler's first game against his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers made sure they walked away with the W, putting forth an electrifying offensive performance in their 149-107 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Butler recorded 19 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals, and was one of seven Sixers players scoring in double figures on the night. Joel Embiid led the way with 31 points and 13 rebounds, while Ben Simmons fell one assist shy of another triple-double, recording 20 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists and three blocks as Philly moves to 29-16 on the season.
Ben Simmons filled it up as the #Sixers ran away with a huge 149-107 win over the #Timberwolves
— NBA Australia (@NBA_AU) January 16, 2019
📊 20 PTS | 11 REB | 9 AST | 3 BLKS pic.twitter.com/tkiRQAUDwH
The 76ers were in control early, scoring 40 first-quarter points and went into the half with a commanding 83-58.
The Sixers never let the Timberwolves back into the contest as they piled on the points, thanks to plenty of unselfish ball movement and a red-hot shooting performance from beyond the arc.
The team finished with 40 assists on 55 made field goals, creating plenty of wide open looks as they shot 59 percent from the field and 49 percent from the 3-point line, knocking down 21-for-43 attempts from beyond the arc.
.@sixers tally 40 assists, tying the @NBA season high, which was set by WAS in 3OT.
— Sixers Stats (@SixersStats) January 16, 2019
The 40 assists are the most by Philadelphia in a regulation game since Dec. 7, 1988 vs. Denver (45).
h/t @bball_ref
Wilson Chandler and Embiid knocked down four triples each, while Jonah Bolden got in on the action, shooting 4-for-5 from three on his way to a career-high 14 points off the bench.
Jonah Bolden heats up from three (4-of-5 3PM) on his way to a career-high 1️⃣4️⃣ points in the #Sixers' big win over the #Timberwolves #HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/HxOz8AyZdl
— NBA Australia (@NBA_AU) January 16, 2019
Derrick Rose led the Timberwolves with 15 points, notching his 10,000th career point in the loss as they fall to 22-23 on the season.
Derrick Rose scoops it in with the left to get to 10,000 career points! #ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/cGlu6gIzU5
— NBA (@NBA) January 16, 2019
Minnesota takes the floor again Friday when it hosts San Antonio while the Sixers are back in action Thursday when they visit the Pacers in an Eastern Conference showdown.