Philadelphia 76ers vs Toronto Raptors: Joel Embiid hits 3 point buzzer beater as 76ers take a 3-0 lead

Embiid took an inbound pass from Danny Green and hit a turnaround shot from near the sideline before running back to his bench in celebration and left the Raptors shocked.

Joel Embiid celebrates with Danny Green. (Image credits: twitter/NBA)
By Sujay Gaurav | Apr 21, 2022 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Philadelphia 76ers snatched victory out of nowhere when Joel Embiid dropped a buzzer-beater 3-pointer to beat the Toronto Raptors 104-101 on Wednesday. Embiid made a 3-pointer with 0.8 seconds left in overtime to give the 76ers a 3-0 lead in their first-round series.

Embiid had 33 points and 13 rebounds and James Harden had 19 points and 10 assists.

After 76ers coach Doc Rivers called timeout to save the possession as the shot clock was running down, Embiid took an inbound pass from Danny Green and hit a turnaround shot from near the sideline before running back to his bench in celebration.

“Great play call,” Embiid said. “Tobias set an amazing screen, Danny threw a great pass. All I had to do was finish, and I’m glad I did. It felt great but the job’s not done. We’ve got to get one more.”

We all know that the Raptors defeated the 76ers in the 2019 playoffs and Embiid seems to be intent on avenging that loss.

“Me and Joel have talked about that,” Harris said. “We understand coming to this arena, what happened to us last time we were here.”

While the subject may have come up before the playoffs, Embiid insisted it’s not on his mind right now.

“During this whole series I haven’t really thought about coming in here and trying to get my revenge,” he said. “I think I’m more focused on trying to win the whole thing.”

Tyrese Maxey scored 19 points and Tobias Harris had 11 points and 12 rebounds for the Sixers, who can complete the sweep on Saturday.

Read more: Celtics go 2-0 up on the Nets as Durant and Kyrie have an off night

Raptors playing for pride

Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors said that his team was playing for pride and all but admitting that this series is out of their reach.

He said, “We’re playing for our pride. Pride is on the line.”

Anunoby scored 26 points, Gary Trent Jr. had a playoff-high 24, and Precious Achiuwa had 20 for the Raptors.

Pascal Siakam and VanVleet each had 12 points. VanVleet shot 3 for 13, going 2 for 10 from 3-point range.