Joel Embiid has yet to hit beast mode and the Philadelphia 76ers have already won two games to start their 2023 post-season campaign. In Game 2, the Cameroonian just scored 20 points in his team’s 96-84 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
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The 7-footer is not the only one with a low-scoring game compared to his (scoring champion) heroics in the regular season. James Harden struggled to shoot over 40% from the field in both games.
However, Embiid does not think of himself to be struggling to get to his usual self. He is just playing the game the right way.
Joel Embiid wants to play it the right way even if it means low-scoring games
In the post-game interview, the 6x All-Star said his bit on the comparatively low-scoring games he is having while clearly not looking too bothered about it.
“People think I just love scoring, which I don’t think is true. I enjoy winning, and doing whatever it takes to win. Some nights I have to shoot a lot and score a lot. Some nights I’m gonna get double-teamed and have to make the passes. I believe in playing the right way..” Embiid said.
Embiid: “People think I just love scoring, which I don’t think is true. I enjoy winning, and doing whatever it takes to win. Some nights I have to shoot a lot and score a lot. Some nights I’m gonna get double teamed and have to make the passes
I believe in playing the right way”
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) April 18, 2023
Thankfully, Tyrese Maxey (33) and Tobias Harris (20) combined for 53 points in the low-scoring game, and the Nets shot horribly from through and through. Otherwise, it would have been trouble for the Sixers.
The Sixers can still be in trouble if James Harden doesn’t get his efficiency right
Not in this series in particular, but whoever they face between the Celtics and the Hawks will show them the exit door if Harden keeps doing what he’s doing.
Embiid is going to sweep the individual awards by winning a back-to-back scoring title and also an MVP to add to it. He is going to get back to his monster self when the Sixers need him.
However, it’s Harden who has always been problematic in the Playoffs, and having shot just over 38% in Game 1 and an even worse 23% in Game 2, this year’s post-season might also take the same route.
Knowing Embiid, you know he would consider this season a waste of whatever individual honor he wins. So, let’s hope either Harden gets his touch back or he stops bothering about it and give the ball to Joel whenever they are on the opponent’s side of the court.
