Joel Embiid is a master troll and that guy finally showed up in Philadelphia 76ers’ win over the New York Knicks when his team dominated their hosts the Madison Square Garden.
The 2023 MVP made sure to rub it in post game and trolled fans he said he has a history with. He danced, jumped for joy, and celebrated his first dunk of the season.
Joel Embiid has probably celebrated more this season than he has in the last two years. It’s great to see him look like himself both physically and mentally with each game. pic.twitter.com/z8vqgYTpUQ
— Jacob Moreno (@jacob_moreno_) January 4, 2026
Joel Embiid was HYPE after his first dunk of the season 😭🔥 pic.twitter.com/u1ulnsiDTm
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 4, 2026
Joel looking more like himself lately…
76ers steal a win at MSG pic.twitter.com/qzlyRflE1h
— Basketball University (@UofBasketball) January 4, 2026
Embiid did not stop with the dancing. He also has words for Knicks fans post-game.
“I love being here. It’s my favorite place in the entire world, New York. I live here sometimes, so it’s always good to be here. Talked back to the fans,” he said as quoted by Adam Aaron of the Philly Voice.
“They were quiet today. But I guess that’s what happens when you’re losing — the whole game.”
Prime Joel Embiid has returned?
Embiid finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds while MVP candidate Tyrese Maxey had 36 points. The other part of Big 3, Paul George, put up 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Joel Embiid in his return to Madison Square Garden and the Sixers’ win over the Knicks on Saturday:
33 minutes
26 points (9-15 FG, 0-1 3P, 8-12 FT)
10 rebounds
5 assistsAll of Embiid’s baskets and assists: pic.twitter.com/R598cpsaD3
— Adam Aaronson’s clips (@SixersAdamClips) January 4, 2026
His scoring is back but he feels he is offering more now. Embiid claimed he is physically ready when it comes to defense.
“Taking what the defense gives me,” he said through the Inquirer.
“But physically, where I felt most [like myself] is defensively. I’m getting back to that level of [protecting the rim], blocking shots and being that defensive presence.”
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