Clarkson (40), streaking Jazz win showdown vs Simmons, 76ers

By MATTHEW COLES

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) Jordan Clarkson scored a season-high 40 points to power the streaking Utah Jazz past the Philadelphia 76ers 134-123 in a matchup of conference leaders Monday night despite a career-best 42 points from Ben Simmons.

Clarkson hit a career-high eight 3-pointers and Donovan Mitchell added 24 points to help the Jazz overcome an early 14-point deficit. Utah (23-5) has won eight straight games and 19 of 20.

Philadelphia (18-10) was minus big man Joel Embiid, a late scratch because of back tightness. Playing without his All-Star running mate, Simmons had 12 points and nine rebounds - barely missing a triple-double. He easily topped his previous best of 34 points set on Dec. 7, 2019.

Tobias Harris had a season-high 36 points for the Sixers in a fast-paced game between championship hopefuls.

Royce O'Neale hit consecutive 3-pointers to quell Philadelphia's final rally. His wing 3 to beat the shot clock gave Utah a 129-118 lead with 2:12 to play.

Joe Ingles added 20 points for the Jazz.

Simmons scored eight straight points in the fourth quarter to cut the Jazz lead to 110-104 with 8:40 left. Minutes later, he found Harris for a 3 to get Philadelphia within 113-109.