AP/PHILADELPHIAJoel Embiid believes that his comeback to the starting lineup won’t be a one-day occurrence.
The injury-plaguedAfter missing a month due to a left knee injury, the Philadelphia 76ers center showed no signs of rust by recording his first triple-double of the season in Tuesday night’s victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
The Sixers won 118-116 thanks to 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists from Embiid, who had missed the previous 15 games. The seven-time All-Star played 36 minutes with a big brace on his knee, making 12 of 23 field goals and 4 of 9 free throws.
Regarding his goals for the remainder of the season, Embiid remarked, “I wish I could play every game.” I have no control over what God decides after that. The objective is to be accessible each and every night.
However, following the game, coach Nick Nurse announced that Embiid would not play against Miami on Wednesday.
Embiid, 30, played in just his fourteenth game of what he described as a very frustrating season. In order to challenge for the playoffs, the Sixers, who are 20-29 overall and 8-6 with him, will need him on the court.
Finding the good things, like family and support, is difficult, he said.
Particularly in the closing minutes, Embiid appeared to be his typical self. With 22 seconds remaining, he made a layup to give Philadelphia a point. He defended the game’s last play when Dallas turned it over after grabbing the defensive rebound on the Mavericks’ subsequent possession.
Joel Embiid, center for the Philadelphia 76ers, grabs a rebound between Klay Thompson, left, of the Dallas Mavericks, and Kelly Oubre Jr. during the second half of an NBA basketball game on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in Philadelphia. (Photo by Matt Slocum/AP)
Embiid stated, “I just wanted to come out aggressive, assert myself inside and out.”
Prior to the game, Embiid averaged 24.4 points and 7.9 rebounds. He was selected by Philadelphia with the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. He continues to believe that the 76ers can make a comeback.
He said, “We just need to get healthy and stay healthy.”
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