Joel Embiid was everywhere in the Philadelphia 76ers’ season-opening 106-100 win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday night — and the former MVP says this is just the start. “Felt like I was all over the place, so I need to do that every game,” Embiid said after the win at Madison Square Garden.
Joel Embiid (Credits: ESPN)
The numbers back up the swagger. In 33 minutes, Embiid stuffed the stat sheet with 13 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks — including a thunderous fourth-quarter rejection of former teammate Andre Drummond’s dunk attempt, followed by a classic index-finger wag and a shake of the head.
“Back To All-Defensive Team Like In The Past”
Embiid has set his goal for the season in clear terms: “I think this year’s going to be back to All-Defensive team like in the past.” The big man has made the All-Defensive Second Team three times, most recently in 2021, and after an injury-ravaged campaign last year — just 38 games amid right hip issues, left knee management and appendicitis — he looked like a man reclaiming that identity.
The supporting cast helped. Tyrese Maxey poured in a game-high 28 points, Jaylen Brown added 19 in his Sixers debut, and LeBron James contributed 14 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists as Philadelphia spoiled the Knicks’ championship banner night. Head coach Nick Nurse praised Embiid simply for making the right play all night.
A Statement For The Season
It wasn’t all perfect — Embiid shot just 4-of-15 from the field — but his defensive presence transformed the game. Philadelphia held New York to 37% shooting, and Embiid finished a plus-18. “Felt good, moving great,” he said. After years of injuries tanking the Sixers’ title hopes, a healthy, motivated Embiid anchoring the defense is exactly the foundation this star-laden roster needs.
Also Read: LeBron’s Sixers Debut Ruins Knicks’ Banner Night With 106-100 Rally At Madison Square Garden | Embiid Adamant No One Will ‘Take a Backseat’ on Star-Laden Sixers After Celtics Loss
Source: ESPN — read the full story there.
