Embiid scores 53 to lead 76ers’ romp past Hornets, Pelicans eclipse Suns

NEW YORK: Joel Embiid unleashed a spectacular 53-point performance Sunday to power the Philadelphia 76ers over Charlotte 131-113, becoming the first NBA player with multiple 50-point games this season.

The 28-year-old Cameroonian 7-footer (2.13 meters) made 20-of-32 shots from the floor, including 2-of-3 from 3-point range, and 11-of-11 from the free throw line and grabbed 12 rebounds.

“He made scoring look easy tonight,” said three-time NBA scoring champion James Harden, who had 19 points, 16 assists and nine rebounds.

“He was in attack mode the entire game... His jump shot was falling. He had an aggressive night.”

Embiid, who scored a career-high 59 points last month in a victory over Utah, became only the third 76ers player to achieve multiple 50-point games in a season, joining Allen Iverson and Wilt Chamberlain.

“I’m just happy I’m contributing when we’re winning,” Embiid said.

It was left for teammates to put his feats in perspective for the 76ers (14-12).

“It has been amazing to watch,” said Montrezl Harrell.

“He’s a skilled player. He does so many things for our team on the offensive end of the floor and defensively as well,” he added.

“For him to come out and have a dominant game on both ends of the floor just shows you how great a player he is.”

Zion Williamson scored 35 points to lead the New Orleans Pelicans to their seventh consecutive triumph, defeating Phoenix 129-124 in overtime to stay atop the Western Conference.

C.J. McCollum added 29 points for New Orleans (18-8), while Deandre Ayton led the Suns (16-11) with 28 points and 12 rebounds.

Phoenix’s Chris Paul made a jumper with four seconds remaining in the fourth quarter to pull the Suns level at 117-117 and force extra time. But McCollum