Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid has been one of the more scrutinized players in the league. He continues to put up big numbers, yet he does not get the credit he deserves as he gets criticism day in and day out.
On Thursday, he put on a show of 39 points and 16 rebounds while making 18 of his 19 attempts from the foul line in a wild 112-104 overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets.
This seemed to be a carryover for the big man from the All-Star game on Sunday where he had 22 points and 10 rebounds for Team Giannis in the game. He was arguably the best player on the floor as he had a terrific all-around game. He had a claim after Thursday’s win over Brooklyn.
“The All-Star game was fun, being there in the fourth quarter doing my thing at the end of the game,” he explained. “The game against the Clippers was a good starting spot, but the All-Star game was just proving that I’m here, I belong in being the best player in the world. I just intend to keep coming out every single night and play hard. Just go out and try to win a championship.”
Thursday’s effort showed off why this guy is considered one of the top players in the league despite all of the criticism he receives. Embiid bullied DeAndre Jordan and Jarrett Allen all night long and he actually rendered Allen useless as he played only 12:40 and he went scoreless. He drew five fouls from Jordan with an array of moves that only the elite players in this league have.
When he is aggressive like that, there aren’t many players in the league who can actually stop him.
“I’ve got to duck in, I’ve got to run the floor, I’ve got to be aggressive,” he added. “I had a couple of offensive fouls, a 3 second, a charge, because of my duck ins and how much I was in the paint so if I’ve got to 3 second and offensive foul calls, so what? It’s just about being aggressive.”
Embiid has a long way to go to be in the conversation for the best player in the league, but the game against the Clippers, the All-Star game, Thursday’s effort, those games show off his talent.
When he has this aggressive mindset, he is a much different player. Philadelphia has to hope that this mindset continues on Saturday when they head to Milwaukee to face the Bucks. [lawrence-related id=26153,26144,26138]