Joel Embiid was coming off a nine-game absence, but he looked like he never left on Saturday night. The Philadelphia 76ers center back to his dominant self, albeit in a double-overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Sixers star posted a monster night with 42 points and 14 rebounds while going 12-for-23 from the field and 16-for-21 from the free throw line. Embiid didn't wear down at all despite the lack of game action, scoring 25 of his 42 points in the fourth quarter plus two overtime periods.

Embiid showed next to no ill effects after returning from his bout with COVID-19. Asked about his recovery, Joel made some comments that would give Sixers fans pause depending on if it was in jest or not.

“That jawn hit me hard,” said Embiid after his Sixers return. “I mean, I really thought I wasn't going to make it. It was that bad so I'm just thankful to be sitting here. I struggled with it but I'm just glad I got over it. That I'm just here doing what I love with some good people.”

Joel Embiid did say this with a slight smile on his face, which may indicate his confession was partly facetious. He also made sure to use a bit of Philly slang so maybe he was just trying to make light of an illness that's frustrated him for the past couple of weeks.

If Saturday night's performance from the Sixers star is any indication, Joel Embiid is a-okay.