Joel Embiid did everything he could to return as soon as possible from a knee injury that he suffered during the 2023-24 NBA regular season, but the Philadelphia 76ers still find themselves trailing 3-1 in their series against the New York Knicks.
The 76ers have been on the short end of some tough losses, most notably Game 2, but Game 4 was another letdown as they let go of the rope and fell to the Knicks.
Embiid has been doing his best to drag Philadelphia to the finish line every game this series, but he is clearly laboring from his injury still as he hasn’t been moving very well.
The reigning MVP should be applauded for gutting his way through these games, but it appears that his lack of mobility could be costing the team in key moments.
Embiid played every minute in the fourth quarter and had a dismal showing, via StatMuse.
“Embiid in the 4th quarter: 1 point, 0-5 FG, 1-2 FT, -4. Played all 12 minutes,” StatMuse tweeted.
Embiid in the 4th quarter:
1 point
0-5 FG
1-2 FT
-4Played all 12 minutes. pic.twitter.com/U8zCpwaH1K
— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 28, 2024
It’s odd to see that sort of fourth-quarter statline from someone like Embiid, but the reality is that he’s far from 100 percent physically and New York’s been taking advantage of it.
Embiid also looked to hurt his knee again after falling over Jalen Brunson in the final period, though he managed to stay in and finish the game.
Perhaps Embiid can somehow find his old self while physically compromised, but that seems highly unlikely.
NEXT:
Joel Embiid Sends Strong Message To Knicks After Game 3 Win
