PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers played host to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday without three starters: James Harden, Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris. They needed Joel Embiid to do more.
The big fella had 32 points. He shot 18-for-20 from the free-throw line, and he had nine rebounds and six assists, but the Sixers fell to the Timberwolves at home.
Despite the loss, Embiid was obviously terrific again, and Minnesota big man Rudy Gobert discussed what makes him such a special player.
“He’s a pretty unique player,” Gobert said. “His ability to mix power and finesse to attack the rim, but also make you pay for any mistake that you make. It’s tough to guard.”
Embiid also knocked down two 3s, including a big one late as Philadelphia was storming back from a 20-point deficit. Gobert made his life tough out on the floor, but sometimes it didn’t even matter against Embiid.
“You gotta be really solid, really solid, and even when you’re solid, he might hit the shot, but you got to just make him work,” Gobert added. “Try to make him take the toughest shot possible.”
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