Joel Embiid has finally found his groove, and it's a welcome sight for the Sixers. Without Tyrese Maxey, who was sidelined due to illness, Embiid took advantage of the opportunity to shine, scoring a season-high 39 points in the team's 115-105 win over the Pacers. The dominant center's signature foul-drawing skill was on full display as he drew 22 fouls, including several crucial ones late in the game.
Embiid's emergence from his long-range shooting drought, which had seen him miss 17 straight three-pointers since returning from a nine-game absence, is a significant development. He found himself driving to the basket off the dribble with force, drawing defenders and creating opportunities for easy baskets. It was a clear sign that Embiid has regained trust in his knee(s) after struggling with them throughout the season.
The win marked a turning point for Embiid, who had been underwhelming lately. His performance was a testament to his hard work and dedication to getting back on track. As coach Nick Nurse noted, when Embiid is driving to the basket like this, he's almost unstoppable.
VJ Edgecombe also made a big impact without Maxey, scoring 14 points in the first quarter alone, including two triples that forced the Pacers to respect his range. His all-around game was on full display as he passed, rebounded, and blocked shots with ease. The rookie's IQ is high, athleticism is elite, and he's still learning. Edgecombe's ability to play within himself and make plays at the ends of games is impressive for a 20-year-old rookie.
The Sixers' win was not without its challenges, as the Pacers pushed them hard throughout the game. However, Embiid and Edgecombe provided the scoring spark that their team needed. Paul George also stepped up with a strong all-around performance, including an absurd and-one jumper that stood out.
As the Sixers look to build on this momentum, they'll face a tough test against the Hawks in Atlanta next week.
Embiid's emergence from his long-range shooting drought, which had seen him miss 17 straight three-pointers since returning from a nine-game absence, is a significant development. He found himself driving to the basket off the dribble with force, drawing defenders and creating opportunities for easy baskets. It was a clear sign that Embiid has regained trust in his knee(s) after struggling with them throughout the season.
The win marked a turning point for Embiid, who had been underwhelming lately. His performance was a testament to his hard work and dedication to getting back on track. As coach Nick Nurse noted, when Embiid is driving to the basket like this, he's almost unstoppable.
VJ Edgecombe also made a big impact without Maxey, scoring 14 points in the first quarter alone, including two triples that forced the Pacers to respect his range. His all-around game was on full display as he passed, rebounded, and blocked shots with ease. The rookie's IQ is high, athleticism is elite, and he's still learning. Edgecombe's ability to play within himself and make plays at the ends of games is impressive for a 20-year-old rookie.
The Sixers' win was not without its challenges, as the Pacers pushed them hard throughout the game. However, Embiid and Edgecombe provided the scoring spark that their team needed. Paul George also stepped up with a strong all-around performance, including an absurd and-one jumper that stood out.
As the Sixers look to build on this momentum, they'll face a tough test against the Hawks in Atlanta next week.