Instant observations: Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe return, but Sixers' comeback bids fall short in double

PHILADELPHIA – For the first time all season, the Sixers had their three stars available on Sunday night, with Joel Embiid returning from a nine-game absence and joining Tyrese Maxey and Paul George in battle against the Atlanta Hawks. VJ Edgecombe made his return, too, with Andre Drummond also available despite his ominous injury just two nights prior. With Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford being the only players sidelined, the Sixers were closer to being at full strength in this one than they have been all year.

After 58 minutes of basketball, that did not matter.

The Sixers are 10-9 after losing to the Hawks at home, 142-134, in a game they lost control of because of a putrid offensive showing in the fourth quarter. They staged a miraculous comeback in the final minute to force over