Joel Embiid somehow redeemed himself on Saturday after scoring 16 points in Philadelphia 76ers’ win over the Charlotte Hornets. That is 400 percent better than his four-point production in their opening game in their win over the Boston Celtics.
He played 20 minutes in the first game which is still related to the knee injury he is still recovering from. The 2023 MVP is still under minutes restriction and although his play and impact on the game has improved, he thinks he can still do better. However, he will have a hard time doing it because of medical reasons.
“I’d rather not have minutes restrictions,” Embiid said after the game.
“The shorter stints, you don’t get no rhythm. You play two, three minutes, and you gotta get out. That’s like two or three up and down, that’s really nothing. I might as well just stay home and be with my family.”
He emphasized his desire to contribute but claimed he wouldn’t be able to do it because his rhythm gets disrupted.
“Longer stints, you are actually able to let the game come to you,” he continued.
“But then again, longer stints also means you might be done by halftime. But I can’t sit for too long. Being in shape is one thing, but being in basketball shape is another thing. You need to play, and you need to play a lot.”
Joel Embiid got help
Good for Embiid, he does not need to do that much as he is receiving lift from his teammates. Tyrese Maxey appears to be back in his All-Star form, averaging 34 points and 7.5 assists in two games.
The most surprising is rookie VJ Edgecombe who was huge in their opener by scoring 34 points in his debut, including hitting clutch shots. He only had 15 versus the Hornets but he also had eight assists.
Quentin Grimes is also contributing with his 24 points against Charlotte.
Embiid is expected to stay within minutes restriction according to head coach Nick Nurse.
“Nope. I don’t,” Nurse said before the Hornets game. “Until I hear differently, I assume it’s that, but it could slide at any time.”
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