Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers star, expressed renewed confidence following the team’s recent 123-108 victory against the Dallas Mavericks. After the game, he shared that he is starting to feel more like himself, particularly on the defensive end.
Embiid’s Recent Performance
In the matchup against the Mavericks, Embiid recorded 22 points, shooting 9-for-18, along with six assists, four rebounds, and one block. He emphasized taking what the defense offered him and showcased a strong defensive presence, a key aspect of his game.
Statistical Highlights
- Recent Average: 29.2 points per game on 47.9% shooting.
- Rebounds: 8.0 rebounds per game.
- Assists: 3.8 assists per game.
- Blocks: 1.3 blocks per game.
- Minutes: 33.0 minutes over the last six games.
This comes on the heels of a challenging start to the season, where Embiid averaged 18.2 points and 40.7% shooting in his first nine games. He noted a significant change in his playing style, opting to focus on team success over personal statistics.
Inspiring Moments
A defining moment for Embiid occurred during an overtime win against the Memphis Grizzlies. He attempted, albeit unsuccessfully, to pass the ball to himself off the backboard—an instinctive move indicative of his improving confidence. This play echoed a successful attempt he made during a playoff game against the New York Knicks.
Injury History and Recovery
Despite his recent resurgence, Embiid has faced significant challenges this season, missing 17 games mainly due to knee injuries. His injury history includes multiple surgeries on his left knee over the past few years, significantly affecting his playing time.
- 2024: Underwent arthroscopic surgery on April 11 after just 19 appearances.
- February 2024: Surgery for a torn meniscus eight days after an injury against the Golden State Warriors.
- 2023-24 Season: A historic performance with a league-leading average of 35.3 points per game before his injuries.
Embiid remains optimistic, expressing that his recent performances are a good sign for his health and his impact on the 76ers as they aim for success in the current NBA season.
