What makes it so special is that the city of Philadelphia watched Embiid grow up.
Yes, I know it’s only the first round. But we’ve watched a 20 year old grow up, become a Dad, battle through the most adversity we’ve seen from a single player in Philly in a really long time, and finally have his big moment.
One of the most special players in Philly history.
Joel Embiid had emergency appendectomy surgery 23 days ago, missed the first three games of the first round, had to work his way back into shape on the fly in Game 4, and led one of the great 3-1 comebacks ever against the Boston Celtics, his greatest foe. What a warrior man.
They tried Queta. Didn’t work.
They tried Garza. Didn’t work.
They tried Gonzalez. Didn’t work.
They tried Vucevic. Didn’t work.
They tried Brown. Didn’t work.
They tried a zone. Didn’t work.
They tried doubling. Didn’t work.
Joel Embiid was unstoppable.
Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid are the 3rd duo in NBA history to each have 25 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists in a Game 7:
▪️Elgin Baylor and Jerry West (1963)
▪️Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain (1970)
▪️Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey (2026)
So happy for Joel Embiid. What a heroic performance. 34/12/6 and hobbled down the stretch but still hustling all over the floor. Not sure what happens from here for him or the Sixers but this 3-1 comeback is one hell of an accomplishment.