In a critical game against the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers' star center Joel Embiid found himself on the bench during the fourth quarter, as Coach Nick Nurse made a strategic decision. Despite Embiid's best efforts, the 76ers suffered a defeat that further dimmed their hopes of securing a spot in the NBA play-in tournament. The loss dropped the team to a 20-36 record, underscoring a challenging season plagued by injuries and inconsistency.
Embiid struggled through the first three quarters of the game, managing only 14 points in 31 minutes on the court. He failed to convert any of his six 3-point attempts and was slow to recover after hitting the court hard late in the third quarter. His limited effectiveness prompted Coach Nurse to bench him during the crucial final moments, as the 76ers mounted a comeback from a 17-point deficit only to falter at the end.
"He's giving us what he can. He's not himself. We all know that," said Coach Nick Nurse.
Embiid's performance has been hindered by a lack of recovery time following surgery last year. Having played just 19 of 56 games this season, he acknowledged the difficulty in regaining his former level of play. Last season, Embiid was similarly limited, appearing in only 39 games due to a torn meniscus in his left knee. Despite these setbacks, he returned in early April, contributing to the 76ers' playoff run and later winning a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic team over the summer.
"He's not certainly the guy we're used to seeing play at a super-high level. I commend him for giving us what he can," Nurse commented.
Embiid's absence in the fourth quarter underscored his current physical challenges. Teammates and coaches alike recognize his efforts but acknowledge that he is not performing at his usual dominant level.
"They had a good feel for the game at that point," Nurse added, referencing the team's temporary rally without Embiid on the court.
Tyrese Maxey, another key player for the 76ers, reflected on Embiid's previous performances, noting his consistent dominance over the past four years.
"I've probably seen him at his best, I think. I can't really speak for the couple of seasons before that. But for the last four years, he's been pretty dominant every time he steps on the court," Maxey said.
Paul George also weighed in on Embiid's current struggles, attributing them to his physical condition and style of play.
"I mean, I get it. Especially for how big he is, the size he is, and how he plays," George remarked.
Despite signing a substantial three-year, $193 million contract extension in September, Embiid's season has been marred by persistent injuries. His recent benching highlights ongoing concerns about his ability to sustain high-level performance amid physical setbacks.
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