Despite trailing for a long portion of the Game 5 matchup against the Boston Celtics, Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers flipped the script late in the game and came away with a second road win in the first-round series.
Joel Embiid was back for the second time after spending the last couple of weeks recovering from surgery. Leading up to the game, Embiid was probable. As expected, he played.
Unlike Game 4, Embiid showed some clear rust early on. With a handful of threes attempted on the offensive end, Embiid was getting the right looks, but nothing was falling. It took a while for him to get going, but once he did, the Sixers found enough separation to get the Celtics uncomfortable.
After the game, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse explained what worked for Embiid.
Nick Nurse Details Success for Joel Embiid In Game 5
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – NOVEMBER 17: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the second quarter against the Atlanta Hawks during an NBA In-Season Tournament game at State Farm Arena on November 17, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
âIt was a little similar to the other night, that obviously he was getting some good looks, and a lot of them were just going in and out,” Nurse told reporters on Tuesday night.
“I was sitting there thinking, he’s not far away here from finding some rhythm. Everybody kept encouraging him to just keep taking them. Then he got inside some. A lot of touches inside kind of helps to get you going in general, too. Obviously, he was very, very good. Give him a lot of credit. He worked very hard to get back after this procedure that he had, played a lot of minutes. I was super impressed with him on the defensive end tonight.â
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up before game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
In Game 4 (Embiid’s playoff debut this season), the star center checked in for 34 minutes. He shot 9-21 from the field, scoring 26 points. He logged a double-double with 10 rebounds and dished out six assists. The Sixers lost 128-96.
On Tuesday night, Embiid was on the court for 39 minutes. He went 12-23 from the field to score 33 points. He also dished out eight assists, came down with four rebounds, and blocked one shot.
The 76ers will leave Boston with a 113-97 victory. The Sixers get the series to 2-3 before heading back to Philadelphia. As long as Embiid is feeling good physically after his second game back and bumping knees late in the game, the star center should be available for Game 6 at home. The matchup is set to take place on Thursday, April 30.
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