We all know how good Joel Embiid is. The big man just won his first MVP award, and after some injuries derailed the early part of his career, he’s become one of the best Centers in the league. Embiid can hit a 3, drive to the lane, or even hit free throws! He doesn’t give any of it back on defense, either. Embiid averaged the 7th most blocks per game and averaged over 10 rebounds per game.
However, as we all know, it’s the postseason that matters most. And when his team has needed him, he’s delivered. In 7 games so far this postseason, Embiid has scored 30 or more points in each of his last 3 games, an incredible 20 blocks, and 4 games with at least 10 rebounds. When you add in the 5 steals he has, you can see he’s truly done it all.
He was at his best last night in Game 5 of the 76ers’ Eastern Conference Semifinals matchup against the Boston Celtics. With the series tied 2-2, Embiid powered the 76ers with 33 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 4 blocks. He even added 4 blocks to boot! That is a what a superstar does. The 76ers came in as big underdogs. Thanks to his heroics, the 76ers were the first team in this series to win a game on the road, and now they have a chance to close out the series in front of their fans. Embiid has never been to the Conference Finals, but the winner of this series has a very good chance to make the NBA Finals. Regardless of who wins the series between the Knicks and the Heat, the winner of this series will have homecourt advantage in the Eastern Conference Finals. That’s all you can ask for at this point.
Sports are at their best when the best players in the league step up in the biggest moments. They deliver moments that aren’t soon forgotten, and give fans what to talk about and debate for seasons to come!