Sixers news: Joel Embiid admits finger injury 'was pretty bad'

After suffering a nasty finger injury, Sixers star Joel Embiid willed himself back into the game versus Thunder to make sure they return to the win column.

Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid has been criticized in the past for missing too much games due to injuries. However, the Sixers All-Star showed some resolve and determination against the Oklahoma City Thunder during their match at the Wells Fargo Center on Monday, returning to the ball game after severely dislocating his finger.

With 1:26 left in the first quarter, the seven-foot Cameroonian shouted in pain as he tried to contest a shot attempt from Thunder forward Darius Bazley. Embiid walked off the court as cameras showed the grotesque state of his left ring finger.

Embiid re-entered the game after dislocating his finger…badly. 🥴🥴 pic.twitter.com/u0Eg1a5IbD

— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) January 7, 2020

Much to the surprise of the home crowd, Embiid re-emerged at the beginning of the second quarter after trainers simply put his finger back in place. He played the rest of the game with his finger wrapped, helping the Sixers notch a 120-113 win.

Talking to reporters postmatch, the 25-year-old center admitted that he felt his “finger snapping” but knew he could play after X-rays showed nothing.

“It was pretty bad. Was basically playing with one hand… In the midst of the streak, just wanted to make sure I do everything possible to get us a win,” Joel Embiid said.

Joel Embiid on his finger

Felt discomfort few plays earlier, “finger snapping.” Went to locker room, X-rays showed nothing

"It was pretty bad. Was basically playing with one hand… In the midst of the streak, just wanted to make sure I do everything possible to get us a win." pic.twitter.com/L41bdoh6fM

— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) January 7, 2020

Entering Monday's match, the Sixers were in the midst of an ugly four-game slide. Embiid simply willed himself back to game to make sure his team returns to the win column.

JoJo produced a complete stat line of 18 points, nine boards and eight assists in 33 minutes of action, while knocking down 7-of-17 shots from the field. Philly, meanwhile, certainly got a boost upon seeing their best player brush off pain just so he can help his teammates out on the floor. The Sixers are currently fifth in the East with a 24-14 record.