Five Takeaways Philadelphia 76ers Defeat Phoenix Suns

Takeaway One: Joel Embiid Plays Harder After A Hard Loss

Joel Embiid did not play his best game of the season on a nationally televised game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.  It could not have come on a more poorly timed evening.

But even in a poorly played game, on a tough loss, Joel Embiid put up ten points and pulled down ten rebounds for his third double double of the season in just eight NBA games played.

The biggest question in everyone’s mind was: “how will Joel Embiid respond?”

He responded the best way any athlete can, he took out his frustration on his next opponent.

Against the Phoenix Suns, Joel Embiid put up 26 points (a career high) on 64.3 percent shooting form the floor, including three of five from three point range.  He brought down seven rebounds,  passed out of double and triple coverage for two assists, and blocked two shots.  For the second consecutive game, he has held his turnovers to three or less as well.

Watching Embiid, it’s hard to comprehend that he has not yet played in ten NBA games yet.  He passes the test of every sensory perception available as an experienced and rapidly improving talent in the NBA.

It’s as though he is a sponge for learning, and when he is beaten in the previous game, he comes out the next time with an answer.  Clearly he played the best game of his young career, and with just his ninth game of his NBA life, he has far better games yet to come.

He is still on minutes restrictions, so it’s difficult to judge his ceiling.  But his “per 36” continue to come in at the 27+ points  and 12 rebounds per game. Does that mean his is likely to be in the running for NBA Rookie of the Year?

Why Yes. Yes he is.