The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers: 3 takeaways from Tobias Harris’ debut vs. Denver Nuggets

By Christopher Kline

Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, J.J. Redick | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, J.J. Redick | Philadelphia 76ers (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Joel Embiid is good, even when he’s bad

After dealing with stomach issues over the past couple days, it was clear Joel Embiid still felt the side effects on Friday. He started the game lethargic on offense, missing easy shots and struggling to find his normal groove.

The All-Star starter was 1-12 at one point, looking noticeably dejected as shots continued to rim out. Even in one of his worst games this season, though, Embiid managed to make key plays down the stretch. He cemented the victory in the fourth.

A couple clutch buckets and an emphatic block on a Michael Beasley dunk attempt helped stave off the Nuggets’ final comeback push. Embiid ended up posting 15 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks, earning the second highest plus/minus on the team at +13.

Even on a night in which he shot 4-17 (including 0-5 from deep), Embiid was one of the Sixers’ most positive players. He was a game-changer in the most important moments, finding an extra gear in crunch time, which is especially impressive given the circumstances.

Nikola Jokic had the better all-around performance, but Embiid remains the NBA’s best center. Jokic even said so himself.