There is nothing bigger than a Game 7 in the NBA. Drama. Intensity. Heartbreak. Every emotion you can imagine will surface during a matchup of this caliber. But there is more on the line than this for the Philadelphia 76ers when they return to the TD Garden to face off with the Boston Celtics.
The Sixers need Joel Embiid to finally step up in a Game 7 of a series, or the front office may have to reconsider if their superstar will ever carry them to a championship title.
First and foremost, it is difficult to comprehend that Joel Embiid is even available for selection after only undergoing an emergency appendectomy on April 9. Less than a month later, the dominant center has just starred in his third game of a playoff series, and is still proving to be a headache that defenders cannot quell.
Throughout the series, Embiid has averaged 26 points, eight rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, numbers that are even more remarkable given he is far from peak condition. However, with a do-or-die Game 7 looming for Philadelphia, past performances carry little weight. Embiid must now accomplish something that has eluded him throughout his career: winning a Game 7.
If he falls short again, Daryl Morey may be forced to shift his focus toward building the roster around Tyrese Maxey.
Joel Embiid's Game 7 voodoo has been a problem for the 76ers
For the Philadelphia 76ers, Game 7s have long been a toxic mix—one that’s left fans with sickening hangovers over the years. Kawhi Leonard's game-winner for the Toronto Raptors, endless turnovers against the Atlanta Hawks, and an embarrassing no-show from James Harden against the Boston Celtics. Unfortunately for Joel Embiid, he has been the common denominator in all of these matchups.
The 2023 MVP has a 0-3 record in Game 7 situations, averaging 22.3 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, and 5.3 turnovers per game, while shooting 38.6 percent from the floor. Although the scoring and rebounding suggest that Embiid makes a positive impact during these games, his high turnover rate and lack of efficiency prove that the Sixers' talisman has not performed at his usual, devastating best, and the 76ers have suffered for it.
Philadelphia's roster has been constructed to benefit Embiid; this has been the main focus of recruitment for countless years. The 76ers have shown that with good floor spacing and maximum defensive effort, they can best the Boston Celtics all over the court. Most notably, when Joel Embiid stays aggressive on offense and does not settle for shots from deep, Neemias Queta cannot find a way to limit his production.
Whether Nick Nurse would care to admit it or not, momentum is on the side of the Philadelphia 76ers as they head into Game 7 against the Boston Celtics. Nevertheless, this means nothing if they cannot find a way to get the best out of Joel Embiid. If the Sixers again fall to a heartbreaking defeat after such a long series, the 76ers may have to reconsider if Embiid is the star who can carry them to championship success.
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