Joel Embiid Returns From Injury To Spark 76ers To Blowout Win Over Miami

Joel Embiid missed more than a week with a facial fracture and a concussion. The injury could not have come at a worse time. The Philadelphia 76ers were just starting their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Miami Heat after dispatching the Toronto Raptors in the first round. Without Joel, the Sixers dropped the first two games in the series.

Game three saw the return of Joel Embiid. The Philadelphia star made an immediate impact. The Sixers cruised to a 99-79 win to make the series 2-1 in favor of the Heat.

Joel Embiid contributed a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds on the way to the easy win. The superstar sparked his team when they needed it the most. After the game, he was asked if he thought there was a chance he might not return during the series.

“No. When it happened, after we figured out what really happened, I didn’t think about [the possibility of not playing].

Advertising

Advertising

I just thought about what I was going to do to make sure that I was back at any point in that series, whether it was Game One or Game Two or Game Three or Game Four. I was just doing really whatever possible, whatever that’s possible to try to come back.”

With Joel Embiid back in the lineup, the series takes on an entirely different tone. Philadelphia is focused on winning a championship. To do it, they will need continued contributions from their star player.

What do you think of this story? Let us know in the comments!