Kristaps Porzingis posted season-high totals of 27 points and 12 rebounds in leading the Mavericks.<\/p>\n
Luka Doncic added 13 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists as Dallas snapped its first three-game losing streak in almost two years.<\/p>\n
The Mavericks were in control most of the night after using an early 15-3 run to take a 37-22 lead late in the first quarter.<\/p>\n
Doncic appeared to hurt his left knee three times during the game.<\/p>\n
He limped around briefly each time but still managed to finish the game.<\/p>\n
Dallas played without Dorian Finney-Smith, Maxi Kleber, Dwight Powell and Josh Richardson because of COVID-19 protocols.<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
In Philadelphia, Ben Simmons had 11 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the 76ers in a 117-109 win over the Boston Celtics.<\/p>\n
Joel Embiid had 42 points and 10 rebounds, and Tobias Harris scored 22 for Philadelphia.<\/p>\n
Simmons was expected to develop into that true cornerstone star to pair with Embiid, only this season there has been more frustration than flashes of brilliance.<\/p>\n
76ers coach Doc Rivers has insisted he's not worried about Simmons' stats, but the Sixers need more than what he's giving them.<\/p>\n
Simmons was whistled for two offensive fouls within 30 seconds late in the third quarter and the Celtics ended the quarter with a 92-86 lead before Embiid took over.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
"It's not sort of, it's 'for sure' MVP-calibre," Harris said of his teammate.<\/p>\n
Embiid is off to the best start of his career and topped 40 points for the second time in three games.<\/p>\n
He shot 12 of 19 from the floor (one 3-pointer) and was 17 of 21 from the free-throw line. <\/p>\n
He did it in 34 minutes and scored 20 points in a half (22 in the first) for the fifth time this season.<\/p>\n
"If they double, we've got way too many shooters for me to be able to kick it out," Embiid said. "I can attack in a different style. It's been working well."<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Aron Baynes scored three points and chipped in with seven rebounds and three assists in a 111-102 Toronto Raptors loss to the Miami Heat.<\/p>\n
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