It is always a big matchup when a center gets set to take on Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid. He is, after all, one of the best players in the NBA regardless of position and he has been the best player at the center spot all season.
Naturally, when Embiid shows up on an opponent’s schedule, they want to take on the challenge and see what they can do. Indiana Pacers big man Myles Turner is regarded as one of the better defensive centers in the league as a guy who can block a lot of shots and he takes on a lot of the bigger challenges in the league. He was ready to see what he can do against the big fella.
On Monday, Embiid made it look easy as he put up 24 points on 10-for-17 shooting with 13 rebounds to lead Philadelphia to a 130-114 win over the Pacers at home.
“He’s a great player and I have a lot of respect for him,” Embiid started. “I say this respectfully, that’s a matchup that I have dominated since I got to the league.”
Embiid is not wrong in that respect. The big fella puts up a lot of big numbers against Turner every time they match up.
Joel Embiid in 10 games in his career against Myles Turner before tonight’s contest: 28.4 points 12.6 rebounds 3.5 assists
Turner in those games: 8.2 points and 5.4 rebounds
Tonight’s numbers for Embiid: 24 and 13 on 10/17 shooting #Sixers— Ky Carlin (@Ky_Carlin) March 2, 2021
This was a game where Embiid wanted to make a statement in his chase for Defensive Player of the Year and he feels like he did that in this one against a guy like Turner.
“He’s a great defender, he leads the league in blocks, he should be up there for Defensive Player of the Year and that’s also one of my goals,” Embiid added. “In those types of matchups, that’s where you got to take advantage. Especially if I have my eyes set on being the Defensive Player of the Year.”
The Sixers needed a big performance like this out of him after the bad loss on Saturday to the Cleveland Cavaliers. They now have one game left before the All-Star break.
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