Joel Embiid puts up monstrous outing to lead the 76ers over the Knicks

After Monday night’s heartbreaking loss, NBA fans were curious as to how the Philadelphia 76ers would respond. Trailing 2-0 in the series, Thursday night’s matchup with the New York Knicks was a massively important game for the Sixers if they had any hopes of winning the series. 

The 76ers did respond to the gut punch they received in game 2, and they responded with a win, led by 50 points from Joel Embiid. 

Joel Embiid puts on monstrous performance to lead the 76ers over the Knicks

Joel Embiid: 50 points | 13-19 FG | 5-7 3PT | 19-21 FT | 8 rebounds | 4 assists | 41 minutes 

Trailing by 3 at halftime, the Sixers showed a fight with a 43-point 3rd quarter that proved to be the turning point of the game. Joel Embiid was sensational in this 3rd quarter run that gave Philadelphia a 13-point lead heading into the game’s final period. As a team, the 76ers knocked down 9 of their 12 3-point field goal attempts in the 3rd. Embiid led the way, making each of his four attempts, finishing the quarter with 18 points. 

For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson was spectacular, finishing with 39 points and 13 assists in his 45 minutes of action. Brunson, who struggled from the field in the first 2 games of this series, found a groove that Knicks fans have grown familiar to seeing this season. 

Following the conclusion of the game, it has been reported that Joel Embiid has a mild case of Bell’s Palsy, and has been treated for it since the Sixers’ play-in game against Miami. 

While Joel Embiid is still visibly favoring his left knee, he was able to score 50 points on just 19 attempts from the floor. He certainly does not appear to be anywhere near 100% due to these injuries, but he is not letting that keep him from giving it his all for his team. Embiid and the Sixers will be back in action on Sunday afternoon as they look to tie the series at 2 games apiece.