Hawks center Clint Capela opened up on Joel Embiid and how wearing him down was a well thought plan in their Game 4 win against the Sixers.
The Atlanta Hawks have made a great comeback in the series after they won Game 4, 103-100 against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Hawks have levelled the series now at 2 apiece and will be looking to go ahead in the next game.
However, the Sixers had their chances even late in the game. As the clock wound down, Joel Embiid missed a layup which would have given his team the lead. But instead, the Hawks went home with the spoils, winning the closely fought encounter.
It was evidently not Embiid’s night as he was 0-12 in the second half. The big center still ended the game with 17 points and 21 boards. But his shabby second half performance became the talking point of the game.
Embiid’s poor second half performance was a well thought plan from the Hawks which his counterpart revealed. Clint Capela admitted that they intentionally wanted to wear down Embiid as in that state things get tougher for him.
“Whenever you wear him out, everything becomes tougher for him. When the fatigue comes in, it’s a different ballgame,” Capela told after the win in Game 4.
“I’m just trying to do the best I can”: Joel Embiid
These comments from Capela are enough words of motivation for Embiid who will be looking to settle scores in the next match. However, if we think then Capela is right.
Embiid himself has admitted that the partially torn meniscus that he’s been dealing with was bothering him. This is the injury that occurred in Game 4 against the Wizards and has been a cause of concern since then.
“Even before I went back to the locker room I felt like I didn’t have it,” Embiid said. “I guess it’s already known. There’s no need to explain myself anymore. I’m just trying to do the best I can.”
Apart from Game 4, Embiid has been in fiery form. This was the only game where the Hawks managed to keep him under 20 points. He is averaging a mammoth 30.7 and 13 rebounds per game in the series thus far.
Also to add perspective Capela has not been successful in keeping Embiid quiet. In fact ‘The Process’ is shooting an above average 12/22 (54.5%) which has resulted in 25 points when he was marked by Capela.
For now, the Hawks can enjoy their crucial win over the Sixers but one can never count out a comeback from Doc Rivers and his men. The next will be even more crucial for both sides and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top between Capela and Embiid.
