Joel Embiid’s Return: Philadelphia 76ers’ Playoff Drama in New York Game 1
New York (AP) – The Philadelphia 76ers were hoping for some good news as they went into the locker room at halftime following a lacklustre showing in the second quarter.
Joel Embiid was planning his return to the court.
After undergoing medical treatment for his left knee immediately after a powerful dunk, Embiid stepped back onto the court with his teammates for the second half of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs on Saturday night.
Teammate Tyrese Maxey said, “When we came back to the locker room, they said he would go back out there and give it a try.” “Salute to him for his strong determination and desire to win.”
Embiid finished with 29 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, but it wasn’t enough as the New York Knicks defeated the 76ers 111-104.
With the ball in his possession, Embiid attempted to pass it to himself off the backboard, went up, and slammed it down with 2:49 remaining in the second quarter. However, immediately upon landing, he grabbed his left knee and fell to the court.
After the Knicks scored on the other end, it took the 76ers some time, and eventually, they were able to assist Embiid back onto the court.After the Knicks defeated the 76ers 33–12 in the second quarter, he went to the locker room area and missed the rest of the first half. However, he came back to open the second quarter.
Coach Nick Nurse was asked if he wanted Embiid to avoid such risky plays considering the condition of his knee.
“I just think it was theatrics,” Nurse said. “He showed a lot of frustration and the guy just kind of went up and bumped him and he got hit. I just think, I don’t know, I’ll have to see it again. But I think that was the theatrics that went on there.”
Embiid did not speak to reporters after the game.
Embiid tore the meniscus in his left knee against the Golden State Warriors on January 30 and underwent surgery on February 6. He returned at the start of this month to help Philadelphia reach the playoffs, but is still dealing with knee issues. He was listed as questionable to play and wasn’t cleared to play until after workouts.
The same plan may need to be made again before Game 2 on Monday. Nurse said he doesn’t think there was any thought of shutting Embiid down for the 2022-23 NBA MVP, which was limited to 39 games this season.
“I don’t think so,” Nurse said. “I believe he embodies the spirit of a warrior and remains active on the court.. I think he wants to play, for sure.” Let’s see how he performs here tonight.”
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