Sunday 16 December 2018 23:35, UK
Jimmy Butler scored 19 points on his return from injury as Ben Simmons' triple-double led the Philadelphia 76ers to a 128-105 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday evening.
Joel Embiid top scored with 24 points and grabbed nine rebounds to complement Simmons' 22 points, 11 rebounds and 14 assists, as the Sixers' 'big three' produced a highly efficient display.
Butler converted three of his four three-point attempts as the All-Star guard highlighted his importance to the team after the Sixers had lost their previous two games while he was sidelined with a groin strain.
Landry Shamet added 16 points for Philadelphia, J.J. Redick had 14 points and Wilson Chandler 11.
Cedi Osman and Jordan Clarkson each scored 18 points for the Cavaliers. Rodney Hood and Matthew Dellavedova each had 13 points, and rookie point guard Collin Sexton added 12.
Philadelphia broke the game open by outscoring the Cavaliers 39-20 in the fourth quarter, after Cleveland had cut a 13-point lead to 86-85 late in the third.
The Sixers led 86-73 midway through the third quarter, but Cleveland scored 12 straight points and trailed by one after Larry Nance Jr.'s dunk.
However, Chandler hit a three-pointer from the corner as time ran out in the period, which started a decisive run for the visiting team.
The win improves the 76ers' record to 20-11, while the Cavaliers dropped to 7-23.
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