Joel Embiid failed to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a win against the New York Knicks. Despite being diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy, the big man managed to average some decent numbers. In addition to the condition, Embiid has also been dealing with injury setbacks in the last few weeks. But it proved to be for nothing as the Sixers lost 115-118 in round one. The Knicks will be facing the Indiana Pacers next, and they have a good chance of making it to the finals all the way.
Embiid made 39 points and 13 rebounds in Game 6, but that wasn’t enough. Tyrese Maxey put up decent numbers with 7 points, and Tobias Harris failed to get on the scoreboard. Ultimately, the Sixers put up a good fight against the Knicks even when their key players weren’t at their best. Shaquille O’Neal claimed that the team’s lack of offensive rebounds was the major difference between the two sides.
Joel Embiid wants the Philadelphia 76ers to stick with the same roster
After the game, Embiid was asked about the possibility of changes to the Sixers‘ roster. He said, “That’s not my job. That’s those guys. That’s what they get paid for. Our job is to get better as basketball players. Every single year, we find a way, I find a way to get better, he’s gotten (pointing to Maxey), some of the guys in the locker room they’ve gotten better, I think, every single year I’ve gotten better so I’m excited to keep working on my game.”
Joel Embiid backs the current Philadelphia 76ers roster despite playoff loss to the New York Knicks #JoelEmbiid #Sixers #Knicks #NBAPlayoffs
(Via NBC Sports Philadelphia) pic.twitter.com/MWfEmYA8yZ
— Sportsmanor (@sports_manor) May 3, 2024
“I like our group of guys, we have an amazing group of guys, obviously it didn’t work out this year but we also played a great team. The New York Knicks, they did a great job, they played together for a long time, so I like our guys, [there are] decisions to be made, the group of guys we got this guys, they were amazing. If everything went right, we had a chance. But everything didn’t go right,” Embiid added.
Although he mentions that there have to be changes, Embiid reiterates that the current roster lands the Sixers the best chances. He believes that it would take some time for them to make it click, but going with the current roster would be the best possible option for Philly.
Joel Embiid’s hunt for a Conference Final continues
It is no secret that Embiid hasn’t had much luck in the NBA playoffs. He is the only MVP to not have an appearance in the Conference Finals, a record that will continue to haunt him for another year. There is no chance that he will win the MVP again this year, after playing less than 65 games during the regular season.
Joel Embiid has been eliminated in the first round again.
He remains the only MVP in NBA history without a conference finals appearance pic.twitter.com/BOpJIItHVN
— Ethical Hoops🏆 (only takes Ws) (@EthicalHoopz) May 3, 2024
As for his playoff shortcomings, he has been knocked out five times after losing in the Conference semifinals. The Brooklyn Nets have done it twice, in 2019 and 2023. The superstar averages elite numbers in the playoffs, 24.9 points and 10.9 rebounds per game , but we have to note that it’s not an individual game. His team has not been at the standards to make it to the CFs, and that’s certainly a huge stain on Embiid’s career.