Joel Embiid made his return to the NBA on Tuesday after missing nine games due to a left knee issue and a three-game suspension, but his comeback was a challenging one in the Philadelphia 76ers' 111-99 loss to the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup. This defeat left the 76ers with a 2-8 record, continuing their struggles early in the season.
In his 26 minutes on the floor, Embiid showed signs of rust. He finished the game with 13 points on just 2-for-11 shooting, although he was perfect from the free-throw line, going 8-for-8. Additionally, Embiid contributed three rebounds, five assists, and one block. Reflecting on his performance, Embiid acknowledged the difficulties of returning to play after a long layoff. “I felt OK,” he said. “The first five minutes were rough, but I guess that's what happens when you haven't played in a while. I thought overall, I felt pretty good health-wise.”
Embiid's first play of the game showcased his court vision as he made a beautiful pass to Paul George for an easy layup. George, in his debut as a 76er, delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 29 points on 10-for-19 shooting, including a remarkable 7-for-11 from beyond the arc. He also grabbed ten rebounds, marking an impressive start to his tenure with the team. Embiid spoke positively about his early chemistry with George, saying, "I thought tonight, he had a nice rhythm, which we're going to need him to keep doing."
While Embiid's performance was far from flawless, he focused on playing a facilitative role for his teammates. He emphasized the importance of setting screens and creating opportunities for easy scores as he works to regain his full confidence. “Making the game simple” was how Embiid described his approach, understanding that it would take time to get back to his best form after a long absence from the court.
Looking ahead, the 76ers face a tough challenge in their next game against the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers, who recently defeated the Chicago Bulls in a tight 119-113 contest. While Embiid had previously stated that he would avoid playing back-to-back games in his career, he hinted that he might reconsider his stance depending on how his body feels. “I want to,” Embiid said when asked about the possibility of playing in consecutive games. “I know I said I’d never play back-to-backs, but I’m a troll, so I’m sure at some point I’ll play if I feel good.”
As Embiid continues to regain his form, his health and ability to manage back-to-back games will be key factors in the 76ers’ ability to turn their season around. Despite the rough start, Embiid’s determination and optimism, combined with the arrival of George, provide a glimmer of hope for the team as they seek to improve in the coming games.
