After being named the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player, Joel Embiid returned to the Philadelphia 76ers’ lineup to play Game 2 against the Boston Celtics. As he continues to deal with an LCL sprain, he was limited to just 15 points, three rebounds, and five blocks in 27 minutes in a 121-87 loss.
“With what I have, I’m supposed to be out for four-to-six weeks or something like that. So, I’m not gonna be 100 percent for that whole time,” Embiid said.
“I felt pretty good to play and I feel like I can help the team defensively and offensively,” Embiid continued. “Obviously, offensively, I wasn’t as aggressive. I was just trying to let the game come to me. And then defensively, just protecting the rim. I think I did a fine job when it comes to that.”
In terms of approach, Sixers coach Doc Rivers expected Embiid’s return to impact the team’s rhythm, but it was expected to do so. However, there was an uncharacteristic lack of aggression from Embiid, even when there were favorable matchups that he normally attacks aggressively.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Boston Celtics Updates
“Early on, I thought he got a rhythm a of couple times, and I thought we were out of rhythm as well. But we expected that,” Rivers said.
“We knew there was going to have to be some kind of growing pains. I’m glad we got it out of the way today,” Rivers explained. “I thought he moved fine. I thought there were several times that he had matchups that he was looking to pass. Especially early in the game, he was really trying to defer. We really don’t want him to do that but I get it.”
Embiid saw the Sixers’ 1-0 series lead entering Game 2 as an opportunity for him to return to the lineup quickly to shake off some rust before the series gets even further underway. The home team often responds after losing Game 1 on their home floor. Embiid felt that just getting that first game back over with would be the right approach.
NBA NEWS & PLAYOFFS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers & Boston Celtics Updates
“I just felt like being up 1-0 and having the chance to go up 2-0 against this type of team, I knew they were going to come at us. I expected it. But you never know, anything can happen,” Embiid said.
“I just felt like [it] probably would have been the result as far as how I’m feeling if I would have came back in Game 3: rusty and not myself,” Embiid explained further. “Just got this out of the way. Disappointed by the loss but that’s a step toward getting back to myself.”
The Sixers and Celtics return to action on Friday while playing Game 3 at Wells Fargo Center.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here.
