Game 3 of the Eastern Conference first-round series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks encapsulated the legend of Joel Embiid, who, despite dealing with a niggling knee injury and Bell’s palsy, dropped a playoffs career-high 50 points.
The Sixers defeated the Knicks 125-114 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Thursday night to draw one back and put the series at 2-1, and Embiid, who asserted after their Game 2 loss that the 76ers would win the series, put up a monster performance that saw him grab eight rebounds, make five 3s, and shoot 13-of-19 from the field and 19-of-21 from the free throw line.
“They want to bring the physicality,” Embiid said, who was called for a flagrant foul said. “We can be physical, too.”
JOEL EMBIID. 👑 pic.twitter.com/aI5sbJxOjc
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 26, 2024
The Cameroon-born player became the first player in NBA history to score 50 points on fewer than 20 shots in a playoff game, and he spoke about his present predicament, which has seen him deal with some form of facial paralysis.
“My left side of my face, my mouth and my eye,” Embiid said. “It’s been tough. But I’m not a quitter. I’m going to keep fighting through anything.”
Tyrese Maxey poured in 25 points, four rebounds, and seven assists; Tobias Harris added 15 points and seven assists.
defended the home court. 🫡@cryptocom pic.twitter.com/198jPkXsNt
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 26, 2024
Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson led New York with 39 points and 13 assists; Josh Hart’s hot streak in the playoffs continued as he finished with 20 points, six rebounds, six assists, and four 3-pointers.
OG Anunoby finished with 17 points; Isaiah Hartenstein had 14 points; and Mitchell Robinson managed just two points in about 12 minutes before suffering an ankle injury that forced him to leave the floor.
The series will return for Game 4 at the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday, with the Sixers hoping to successfully defend homecourt and even the series, while the Knicks will be looking to get one on the road before heading back to New York.
