With the Philadelphia 76ers beginning a grueling stretch of playing seven of the next eight games on the road, they needed their star big man to step up to the challenge against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.
Joel Embiid once again delivered. He had 36 points on 12-for-19 shooting from the floor and 10-for-10 from the line, and he had 18 rebounds to go along with four blocks. His efforts allowed the Sixers to pick up a 118-109 win over the Cavs.
Cleveland was missing Jarrett Allen, but Embiid made it look so easy against Evan Mobley, who is an impressive defender in his own right.
“That’s why he’s one of the best bigs to ever play the game,” James Harden told reporters. “I don’t think we’ve ever seen a big like him as far as the ways — he can handle the ball, he can shoot it, he can be powerful. I’m just happy he’s on my team.”
Harden is right about that. There have been some amazing big men and some amazing talent in the history of the NBA, but Embiid continues to be one of a kind. There aren’t many players like him who at 7 feet tall can put the ball on the floor, knock down a mid-range jumper, spot-up for 3 and get to the line the way he does.
The Beard is looking to do his part as well, and he definitely has. He had 28 points and 12 assists on Wednesday, but in the end, it comes down to Embiid.
“We’re on the same team, but just trying to find ways every single day to make his job easier and make our job easier,” Harden added. “He’s doing a good job of leading us.”
[mm-video type=playlist id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f5k5xtr64thj7fw2 image=]
[lawrence-related id=76879,76876,76866]