MINNEAPOLIS -- Joel Embiid's presence was arguably the biggest factor in the Sixers' snapping their four-game losing streak on Tuesday.
The center was especially key in the final two minutes of regulation and in overtime, as the 76ers defeated the Timberwolves 118-112 (see observations).
Embiid assisted on Ben Simmons' go-ahead dunk with 1:17 remaining in regulation and hit the game-tying free throws with 14 seconds remaining. He then scored seven points in overtime, including a three-pointer that gave the Sixers a seven-point lead with 1:39 to go.
Embiid finished with 28 points and 11 rebounds in 39 minutes, despite missing the two previous games in Cleveland and New Orleans with back tightness.
"I would not have expected him to play as well as he played or as many minutes as he played," Sixers coach Brett Brown said. "… He obviously was massive."
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Embiid said he didn't feel 100 percent going into Tuesday's game and added that his back was really tight before the game against New Orleans. He said he didn't have the lift during Tuesday's game that he typically does but that he knew his back would get tight while sitting.
"We needed this," he said of the win.
Embiid's being in the lineup changes how the 76ers' offense operates, rookie Ben Simmons said. Embiid changes the team's spacing but also gives the Sixers an offensive presence in the post.
"You have to find your spot, but it's a big help also," Simmons said.
Simmons finished with just seven points, as Timberwolves' wings Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins guarded him most of the night. However, the rookie was key down the stretch as he scored all seven points in the final 6:17 or regulation and overtime.
Brown noted how Simmons ended up with a rating of plus-3 despite the below-average point total. He said he loved that Simmons and Embiid were able to connect for big plays late.
"It wasn't statistically one of his best games," Brown said of Simmons, " … [But] for him to help us get that win on the road, that's a good night."
The win also snapped the Sixers' recent run of fourth-quarter letdowns. The 76ers trailed by nine with six minutes remaining Tuesday, but they went on a 14-4 run to take a 91-90 lead with 2:17 remaining in regulation. Richaun Holmes completed the run with a three-point play.
Brown said he thought JJ Redick, Simmons and Embiid executed well during that stretch and made note of a three-pointer Redick hit to start the run.
"To me, that was the tipping point when things started to run," Brown said of the shot.
The coach added that the Sixers will need to cut down on turnovers in order to achieve their goals. The Sixers had a season-high 24, though none came in overtime.
