The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: Top 5 most memorable plays from 2021-2022 season

By Uriah Young

TORONTO, ON - APRIL 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers waves after defeating the Toronto Raptors in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round at Scotiabank Arena on April 20, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - APRIL 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers waves after defeating the Toronto Raptors in Game Three of the Eastern Conference First Round at Scotiabank Arena on April 20, 2022 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Cole Burston/Getty Images) /
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76ers Top 5 Most Memorable Plays – (#2) Joel Embiid Block

TOTH to ESPN for the quote below.

"“It’s huge when your best player is willing to sacrifice a knee to the groin or elbow to the face and make a winning play. That doesn’t happen everywhere, so Joel [Embiid] is special for making the winning play.” Georges Niang on Joel Embiid"

Way back in November, even in the midst of the Ben Simmons drama, the Philadelphia 76ers were still in a decent spot in the standings. At 5-2, the team was learning to play without Simmons, but they were even more short-handed that night without Tobias Harris and Danny Green. With Joel Embiid though, Philly always had a shot to win.

The play that ranks second on the memorable plays list involves Joel Embiid and his defensive greatness. After Lonzo Ball hit a 3-pointer to pull within a basket late in the fourth quarter, it was up to Embiid to protect the paint. He stepped up big time, and it was as dramatic as it gets in the closing seconds of a game.

As DeMar DeRozan dribbled at the top of the key, Zach LaVine rushed up to set a screen. DeRozan left early though, taking advantage of his matchup with the slower Georges Niang. With seemingly a clear path, DeRozan rose up and prepared to dunk with one hand. Embiid had other ideas.

The Sixers’ big man met his opponent at the rim and blocked the dunk with his right hand. It was a crucial play because the officials initially called a foul. After the review, the call was overturned, and the Sixers won the game.

Embiid locked eyes with DeRozan during the review challenge and bragged, “all ball.” He sarcastically nodded his head and grinned as the Sixers went to 6-2 on the season.