5 Things We Learned From Philadelphia 76ers Loss vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Oct 21, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) attempts a lay up against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) attempts a lay up against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
5 of 5
Dec 15, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (left) talks with general manager and president Sam Hinkie (right) before a game against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (left) talks with general manager and president Sam Hinkie (right) before a game against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

#TrustTheProcess

I think we can all agree that the most exciting thing about the Sixers debut was being able to see Joel Embiid finally make his highly anticipated debut. After all the talk about how great Joel Embiid’s potential is, Sixers fans can now breathe a sigh of relief in knowing that it was not just hype. Embiid displayed a full arsenal of offensive moves and was clearly enjoying himself on the floor.

He showed off his impressive range when he drilled a 3-pointer after knocking down multiple mid range jumpers as well. His footwork was superb and had Steven Adams dancing at times in the paint. After some nifty footwork in which Embiid drew the fould on Adams, he marched to the free throw line shaking his head saying, “He can’t guard me. He can’t guard me.”

The crowd was loving Embiid’s electric attitude as they started cheering “MVP” and “Trust the Process” multiple times during the game. Embiid put in a full line even with the minutes restriction keeping him to just 22 minutes. He finished the game with 20 points on six of 16 shooting and added seven rebounds and two blocked shots. Along with his great footwork, he displayed exceptional ball handling ability for a man his size. If he continues to improve and perfect his game, Joel Embiid is going to be a scary force for the rest of the NBA.

Next: Sergio Rodriguez is the starter

The key for the Sixers is keeping their main attraction and centerpiece healthy all year long. Embiid took a hard spill on a fast break, causing concern to both head coach Brett Brown and his teammates. T.J. McConnell even rushed over to make sure he was okay saying, “Don’t get hurt.” Embiid hopped right up though and continued to play great in his debut. If this game was any indication of the future, the Philadelphia 76ers are in good hands.