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Joel Embiid shined in Game 3 after two subpar games shooting under 30% through the start of the Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the Toronto Raptors. The Philadelphia 76ers big dipper poured in 33 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and five blocks in an all-around effort that stomped the Raptors' quest for a series lead.
Head coach Brett Brown noted Embiid's all-around effort, saying the flash in his game wasn't what encouraged him the most, but instead his intensity and defensive effort.
“To me, it started on the blocks,” said Brown after a sound 116-95 Game 3 win, according to Bruce Arthur of the Toronto Star. “We can talk about a windmill dunk, or finesse post moves and that, but I got to defend. That’s what interests me the most to date with this series … he is our crown jewel defensively — and I suppose offensively, too, but certainly defensively.”
Asked if he felt Embiid was the best player in the series, Brown offered a deadpan “yes” after taking a large gulp of water:
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feel free to use this as a reaction video at your own discretion pic.twitter.com/sb3df6yzhN
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) May 3, 2019
Kawhi Leonard, the Raptors and their fans may disagree with this, but Embiid certainly looked the part in Game 3. The 7-footer looked a lot better thanks to the added rest, harnessing the energy from the home crowd at the Wells Fargo Center, making deep runs to the basket and burying opponents under it in transition, while proving devastating from deep with three out of his four long-range attempts going through the hoop.
More importantly, Embiid looked more spry and less hobbled during this game, a recipe that could prove of utmost importance if the Sixers are to take this series, now sporting a crucial 2-1 lead.
