After finishing as a runner-up in last season's MVP race, Joel Embiid is having a somewhat pedestrian start to the new season. The Philadelphia 76ers suffered another tough loss on Tuesday night as they got handily beat by the New York Knicks, 112-99.
Embiid suffered his first-ever loss to the Knicks, finishing with un-MVP-like numbers of 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists. He also committed five turnovers. He didn't score a field goal in the entire first half and ended the game with a grand total of two field goals.
When asked about his forgettable performance in the Sixers' defeat, Embiid didn't offer much of an excuse and sounded pragmatic about things (via ESPN).
“I mean, it's the NBA season. It happens.”
Somewhere out there, Ben Simmons is chuckling.
Sixers coach Doc Rivers also appeared not to be too concerned with Embiid's struggles, crediting instead the playmaking of the Knicks, especially Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier.
The 27-year-old Embiid, who's had a long history of injuries, was a game-time decision before their game against the Knicks. While it was good to see him take the floor, he didn't actually play to his level. He's expected to carry an even heavier load for the Sixers with Simmons still out due to “mental issues.”
Embiid can get out of his slump when the Sixers take on the lowly Detroit Pistons on Thursday.
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