Joel Embiid makes his much awaited return for the Philadelphia 76ers but results did not go their way after they lost to the Atlanta Hawks in double overtime on Monday. Embiid played beyond his allowed minutes but did not participate in the OT period.
The 2023 MVP played 30 minutes in the game and finished with 18 points and four rebounds. Gone to waste was the performance of Tyrese Maxey who has been playing like an MVP. The 2024 All-Star finished with 44 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists.
His performance is what Embiid feel bad about after the game.
“I do feel bad. It’s unfortunate that you can control only what you want to control,” he told reporters after the game. “If anybody wants to think that I don’t want to play the game, well, that’s their problem. I would do anything to play one game of basketball, so I do feel bad.”
He also discussed the load Maxey has to carry for the team.
“Obviously, the minutes that he has to play, the load that he has to handle. I’ve been there. I know how it feels. You just gotta trust in what you’re doing, and in God, and be okay with the fact that whatever happens, happens.”
Joel Embiid gives health update
This is Embiid’s first game back after missing the last nine. He has played just seven games out of their 19.
The Sixers medical team said they are being careful with him, reason why his return was delayed. How is his health doing after playing more than 20 minutes?
“Obviously, I had a few core sessions. Sometimes it responds well, sometimes it doesn’t,” he said.
“If you feel like you’ve got a chance to play, you play… If it doesn’t respond the way you want it to, they make that decision.”
It is unknown if he will play in the next game which will be against Eastern Conference’s worst team Washington Wizards.
For the latest Basketball Content
Make sure you are always updated on your favorite basketball players and teams. Follow us @HardwoodHeroics for the latest and trending news about NBA, college basketball, and more. Stay updated by reading more of our NBA articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
