PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers’ season may have just taken a turn for the better, as Joel Embiid, last season’s MVP, made a dramatic return to the court on Tuesday night. After a nine-week hiatus due to knee surgery, Embiid led the Sixers to a nail-biting 109-105 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, scoring 24 points and sinking crucial free throws in the dying moments of the game.
Embiid’s presence on the court was not just about the points; it was about the confidence he instilled in the team. His performance, complete with seven assists and six rebounds, signaled a beacon of hope for the Sixers’ postseason aspirations. Despite his self-critique, stating, “I thought I was pretty bad,” Embiid’s impact was undeniable, particularly on the defensive end.
The game was a rollercoaster, with the Sixers trailing by 11 points with just over seven minutes left on the clock. It was then that Kelly Oubre Jr. ignited the comeback with a 3-pointer, setting the stage for Embiid to seal the deal with his perfect 12-for-12 free-throw shooting.
The Thunder, led by Chet Holmgren with 22 points, were left to rue what might have been as they slipped in the Western Conference standings. The Sixers, on the other hand, are now looking to climb from their current eighth position in the East, with Embiid’s return bolstering their chances of advancing in the playoffs.
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault acknowledged Embiid’s influence, noting, “He changes them significantly,” while Sixers coach Nick Nurse expressed admiration for the Thunder’s system and their superstar, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, despite his absence due to injury.
Embiid’s journey back to the court was not just a physical one but also a mental battle. He opened up about the toll his injury took on his mental health, sharing, “It was not a good one. Still not where I’m supposed to be, especially mentally.” Yet, the support from his family and the love from the fans, who chanted “MVP! MVP!” throughout the game, helped him push through.
The Sixers’ path ahead includes a matchup against Miami, while the Thunder will face Boston next. As the regular season winds down, the Sixers are focused on getting their team playoff-ready, with Embiid’s health and performance being pivotal to their success.
Embiid’s return was not just a win for the Sixers but also a win for basketball fans who have missed his dominance on the court. As teammate Kelly Oubre Jr. put it, “The hype is real.” With Embiid back in action, the Sixers are not just a team to watch but a potential threat in the race for the NBA championship.
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