Even with some limitations, Joel Embiid came through for the Philadelphia 76ers when it counted on Thursday.
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Even with some limitations, Joel Embiid came through for the Philadelphia 76ers when it counted on Thursday. This Sunday, the reigning Most Valuable Player will aim to assist the Sixers in tying up their Eastern Conference first-round series at two wins each when they face off against the New York Knicks in Game 4 at home.
Embiid dropped a playoff career-best 50 points, all while dealing with his surgically repaired left knee, in a 125-114 victory over the Knicks in Game 3 on Thursday. Embiid underwent surgery on the lateral meniscus on Feb. 6. Furthermore, Embiid confirmed an ESPN report stating that he had also been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy.
Embiid went off for 50 points, shooting 13-of-19 from the field, 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, and 19-of-21 from the free throw line. The only other Sixers to drop 50 in a playoff game are Allen Iverson (three times) and Billy Cunningham.
For the 76ers, Covington will not be playing th game and Embiid is questionable. As for the Knicks, Brown, Randle, Washington, and Robinson will sit this one out.
The Knicks will aim to bounce back from their defeat when they hit the court on Sunday. In Game 3, Jalen Brunson went off for 39 points and dished out 13 assists. Josh Hart pitched in with 20 points, while OG Anunoby scored 17 and Isaiah Hartenstein added 14. Unfortunately, the Knicks had to play the second half without Mitchell Robinson, who sustained a sprained ankle.
Embiid got slapped with a flagrant 1 foul against Robinson with 4:34 left in the first quarter. Robinson had to leave the Wells Fargo Center in a walking boot, and it’s not clear when he’ll be back on the court. The Knicks were pushing for Embiid to get ejected for the foul. Donte DiVincenzo labeled the play as “dirty.”
Coach Tom Thibodeau emphasized that the Knicks should concentrate on their execution rather than dwelling on any questionable calls by the referees. While they’ll have to keep an eye on Embiid, they also need to pay attention to how they approach the game right from the start.
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