When the Philadelphia 76ers came back to the locker room at halftime after a tough second quarter, they received some encouraging news. Joel Embiid was getting ready to return to the court.
Despite a scare where he seemed to hurt his left knee again after a strong dunk, Embiid joined his teammates for the second half of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs on Saturday night.
“After halftime, he said he was going to give it a shot,” teammate Tyrese Maxey said. “Credit to him for his determination and desire to win.”
Embiid ended the game with 29 points, eight rebounds, and six assists, but it wasn’t enough as the New York Knicks defeated the 76ers 111-104.
In the second quarter, Embiid made a big play by throwing the ball off the backboard to himself, but he immediately grabbed his left knee after landing and fell to the court.
After a brief pause, the 76ers helped Embiid off the court, and he missed the rest of the first half. The Knicks outscored the 76ers 33-12 in that quarter. However, he returned for the second half.
Coach Nick Nurse was asked if he thought the risky play was wise given Embiid’s knee condition.
“I think that was just the play that happened,” Nurse said. “He pump-faked up, and the defender jumped, giving him an angle. I would need to review it again.” Embiid didn’t talk to the press after the game.
Embiid tore the meniscus in his left knee on Jan. 30 against Golden State and underwent surgery on Feb. 6. He made an early return this month to help the 76ers make the playoffs but has still been dealing with knee issues. He was listed as uncertain for the game and was only cleared to play after completing his workout.
