Since entering the NBA, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has worked relentlessly to improve his game. Over the years, we have seen him insert himself among the top talents the league has to offer.

In 2020-21, we saw Embiid take his biggest leap and almost win the MVP award in the process. Even this year, the All-Star center has managed to add to his once-in-a-generation type talent.

Unfortunate circumstances have derailed the Sixers' season a bit, but they have still managed to float around the .500 mark. Some of the team's most impressive wins have come on the back of dominant showings from their franchise cornerstone. The Sixers have also managed to steal some nail-biting wins, something they've struggled to do in previous campaigns.

Heading into the regular season, Embiid realized he was going to be called on to lead the Sixers now more than ever. With Ben Simmons out of the picture for personal reasons, he stands as the lone star the team has to fall back on. No matter what Philly needed, Embiid has done all he can to lead the team to victory.

Being clutch is something that has always separated the good from the great. Not every player can step up and hit a big shot when the game is on the line. Embiid has always viewed himself as someone who can be a “closer” for their team, and this season, he is backing up his talk.

As things currently stand, the Sixers' big man is leading the league in clutch scoring, and by a wide margin. Embiid is averaging 6.3 “clutch” points per game. The next closest is Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James at 4.8.

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In total, Embiid has 82 total points in the clutch. To put into perspective how impressive that is, no other player in the entire league has more than 60. There is no denying Embiid is the top go-to guy down the stretch of a tight game this year.

Time and time again, Embiid has managed to take over in the final minutes to secure a win for the Sixers. Looking back at their last win over the Boston Celtics, he tallied 17 points in the fourth quarter en route to the victory. His performance down the stretch was masterful. Embiid knocked down a trio of mid-range jumpers to keep Boston at bay, including a step-back over two outstretched defenders. Players of his size should not have that type of grace.

Many have been skeptical about a center being a closer, but Embiid is silencing those critics. His ability to score on all three levels and get to the free-throw line makes him just as capable down the stretch as any perimeter player. We have even seen him bring the ball down the floor in some instances.

The Sixers desperately need a dominant run from their star big man if they want to get their season back on track, and Embiid looks ready to answer the call.