The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Why the Philadelphia 76ers need a dominating Joel Embiid

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 1: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers points against the Atlanta Hawks at the Wells Fargo Center on November 1, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 1: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers points against the Atlanta Hawks at the Wells Fargo Center on November 1, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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After a pair of sub-par games resulting in a loss, Philadelphia 76ers star center erupted for 32 points and 16 rebounds to stave off the Los Angeles Clippers. But that is exactly what the 76ers need from Embiid to win

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is more than just a marquis name, a trash talker, or a rim protector. He is one of the engines to the Philadelphia 76ers playoff run. Early in the season, that engine has sputtered at times. But when it roars to life, the Philadelphia 76ers are every bit the playoff capable team so many of us have anticipated.

And he roared to life against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Added incentive

Not that he needed it, but the young Cameroon center got an added incentive in the game.  The game was punctuated with several altercations with reserve center Willie Reed.  Not once, but twice. And that was just enough to incense Embiid.  And the angrier Joel gets, the stronger he gets.

Now, the Los Angeles Clippers are a very good team. Not as dominating as a year ago, but a good team nonetheless. And to face them on the road is not a task the Philadelphia 76ers found much success at in recent years. But in this game, the Sixers did. Why?

Embiid dominated, which is exactly what 76ers need him to do

Joel Embiid dominated. That is despite single, double, and even at times triple coverage.

And when Joel Embiid excels, he attracts the defense. That opens up looks for the artillery like Robert Covington, J.J. Redick, and Dario Saric. Against the Clippers, it was Covington’s turn to score at will.

Why Sixers need Joel Embiid to succeed

Why so many look to Ben Simmons and point saying “Ben starts the offense”, the reality is that Ben simply amplifies it.  Yes, Ben Simmons can score, rebound, and dish out assists, but all of those skillsets facilitate the team.  In the end, the Philadelphia 76ers need muscle in the pain.  In other words, Embiid is the Sixers enforcer.

Without Embiid, opposing teams can harass perimeter shooters, double up on Ben Simmons, and pull in rebounds.  As of November 14, 2017, the Philadelphia 76ers are second in the league at rebounds per game at 47.8.  Of that amount, Embiid accounts for 10.8 of those.  On a good night, he can pull down as many as 16. On a bad night, he hauls in as few as six.  That difference can mean winning or losing. Even at 7-6, the margin of victory is not great for the Philadelphia 76ers at this early stage of the season.

Philadelphia likes Joel Embiid when he’s angry

Right now, as of November 14, 2017, the Philadelphia 76ers average 108 points per game. But the team surrenders 109.5 points per game.  That leaves the team at a 1.5 points per game deficit.
Of course, as the 76ers improve through the season, you can watch that deficit transform into a surplus.  But the team is not there just yet.

Next: Robert Covington leads Philadelphia 76ers by example

An angry Embiid is a dominating Embiid.  Until the team improves overall, that means the team needs Joel Embiid to remain a tad miffed in the early part of the season.  An angry Joel Embiid dominates.