Welcome back, Joel Embiid.
The Philadelphia 76ers superstar center returned Tuesday night from his two-month absence due to a knee injury and appeared ready for a potential playoff run, posting 24 points, seven assists, five rebounds and two steals in 29 minutes in Philadelphia’s 109-105 victory. against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Kelly Oubre Jr. led all scorers with 25 points, but it was Embiid’s night.
It was an impressive display from the reigning MVP, who was clearly gassed late in the fourth quarter, but made several key plays on both ends of the court to seal the victory.
It will take some time for Embiid to return to full fitness, but for a Sixers team that has absolutely floundered without him, his presence in the lineup — especially because he looked sharp and healthy against the Thunder – was huge.
And fans and experts were happy to see him again:
The Sixers are now 27-8 when Embiid plays this season, and the team is yet to return to full strength, as the trio of Tyrese Maxey, De’Anthony Melton and Robert Covington all missed the game. Tuesday.
A healthy Sixers team has a chance to make some noise in the playoffs if they qualify. At 41-35, Philly is still two games behind the Indiana Pacers in the race for the sixth seed and one game behind the Miami Heat, and will likely have to bow out of the Play-In tournament to earn a playoff spot.
Embiid’s return makes them much more likely to do just that. It was quite a night in Philadelphia, as Embiid’s return coincided with Bryce Harper hitting three home runs, including a grand slam, for the Philadelphia Phillies.
To paraphrase the great Stringer Bell, let it be known that Philly is sporting again.
