The Philadelphia 76ers are off to a 3-2 start amid the Ben Simmons drama. Their latest win, a 110-102 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, did not provide much confidence; they did not play well.
The team needed Joel Embiid to score 30 points and grab 18 rebounds to hold off the winless Pistons by eight points. They also needed Embiid to play 31 minutes against a very bad team while he is dealing with right knee soreness.
This was a game the Sixers probably should have rested him, but they needed him to play just to beat Detroit. He is looking to deliver for his team.
“I’m just trying to be available for my teammates, for my team every single night,” said Embiid. “Trying to do the best job I can. Every single year, I come in with the mindset of trying to play in as many games as I can.”
Embiid has been hampered since he hurt his knee in the season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans, and he has clearly not been himself, Even though he probably should have rested against Detroit, he wanted to be out there for his team and lead the way.
“This year, obviously, it’s unfortunate, I got hit during the first game,” he added. “It kinda handicapped me, but every single year, I come in with the mindset that I gotta play in more games than I have in the past. So far, this year, I’m on the right path. Whatever I’m needed to do, I’m gonna be doing it.”
He did not play well in Tuesday’s loss to the New York Knicks, but he did not make excuses. The knee is clearly bothering him, but with the way things are going, he has to be out there given everything going on with Ben Simmons. Philadelphia needs him to win games.
“Like I always say, there’s no excuses, but I’m fine,” Embiid finished. “I can’t complain. I’m doing what I love and every single day, I wake up and that’s what I wanna do. That’s what I’m gonna keep focusing on. Whatever happens, happens. I’m fine.”
Embiid will lead the Sixers against Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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