PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid returned to the Philadelphia 76ers lineup on Monday in their 100-88 win over the visiting Phoenix Suns. The big fella led the way with a big game of 33 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
However, one could tell Embiid is going to need some time to regain his normal conditioning level.
On Monday, the Sixers had a system in place to let him get off the floor when he needed a break and reenter the game when he was ready to go.
“I thought he looked good,” said coach Doc Rivers. “We literally told him when you’re tired, signal, come out. When you’re fresh, get up, and come in. The only time I put him in was that last stretch because they were going to make a run and we needed him on the floor. So I thought he was great. You can see early on, I thought he got better as the game went on, but down the stretch he was gassed.”
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After the win, Embiid detailed what has to come next.
“Keep pushing myself,” he explained. “Just try to get myself out of this sickness and hope for the best, but it’s probably gonna take a while because it really hit me. I’m excited for the challenge. We’re gonna need every single minute to be able to hold down the fort without James (Harden).”
Though Embiid had a big game on Monday, he admitted he has to push through his body aches and find a way to be his productive self on the floor.
“Just body,” he added. “The body feels shut down, but there’s no excuse. It’s whatever. I’m playing basketball.”
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