Joel Embiid Shines with 34 Points in Return to 76ers After Injury
Joel Embiid made a strong comeback, scoring 34 points in his return to the 76ers after missing one game due to a sinus fracture
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia, 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, NBA
Philadelphia: So, Joel Embiid is back! He missed just one game because of a sinus fracture and came back swinging. In Friday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets, he dropped 34 points while rocking a protective mask. The 76ers won 108–98, and Embiid also had seven assists and four rebounds in just 25 minutes on the court.
It all started last Friday when he got hit in the face by Bennedict Mathurin during a game against the Indiana Pacers. The team said he’d be re-evaluated in a week, but he bounced back quicker than expected. Thanks to a light schedule, he only had to sit out one game, which was a win over the Hornets.
Embiid wasted no time getting into the groove, scoring eight of the team’s first 14 points. The Sixers jumped out to a solid 41–23 lead in the first quarter. But the Hornets didn’t just roll over; they fought back and got within six points in the fourth quarter. Luckily, Embiid hit three quick baskets to help the team regain control.
This was only the fourth game where Philly’s “Big Three” of Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey played together. They had a rough start, going 1–2 in the previous three games. Maxey added 23 points, while George had a quieter night with just five points but still contributed with 10 rebounds and eight assists. Kelly Oubre Jr. also stepped up, scoring 22 points.
On the other side, Vasilije Micić led the Hornets with 20 points, and Miles Bridges chipped in with 15 points and seven rebounds. Brandon Miller missed the game due to an ankle sprain he got in the last matchup against the 76ers.
Next up for the 76ers is a big game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are currently the best in the NBA. It’ll be interesting to see if Embiid can keep up the momentum in this back-to-back matchup!