Philadelphia 76ers: 3 takeaways from important win over Boston Celtics

1. Joel Embiid can beat the Celtics

Last season, the Celtics were Joel Embiid’s kryptonite. Al Horford had the versatility to shred him on offense. Aron Baynes could match his physicality underneath. Even Daniel Theis was sneakily effective on the big fella.

Now, things are different. Both Horford and Baynes remain excellent defenders who can go toe-to-toe with Embiid at a high level. It just doesn’t matter as much. The Sixers’ All-Star is more coordinated, more physical and more skilled than ever. He’s shredding even elite defenders.

Embiid carried the Sixers to the fourth quarter before Butler delivered the final blow. He ended with 37 points and a career-high 22 rebounds, all while getting to the free throw line a well-deserved 21 times (he hit 20 of 21, to boot).

A fringe MVP candidate and one of the eight or so best players in the NBA, Embiid continues his evolution as the Sixers’ primary cornerstone. The strategic rest against Charlotte also paid off. The Sixers don’t beat Boston with a tired JoJo.

In the postseason, getting a fully engaged, healthy JoJo is paramount, for obvious reasons. If the Sixers are going to make a long postseason run, it starts with Embiid. He’s the superstar who drives the car.