Joel Embiid proved why the Houston Rockets’ Ime Udoka had been praised so highly early in the season as he led the 76ers to a victory in Game 3 against the Knicks.
Houston — On Thursday night, Joel Embiid turned in one of the best playoff performances in league history. In the Wells Fargo Centre, he guided the Philadelphia 76ers to a 125-114 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 3.
Embiid finished with a playoff career-high 50 points on 13 of 19 field goals, 5 of 7 three-pointers, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block. The 76ers are currently behind the Knicks 2-1 in the opening round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs as a result of Embiid’s performance.
Embiid scored 40 points or more for the tenth time this season in that game. Embiid would have been certain to win the MVP award for a second time in a row if it weren’t for his injuries.
With the exception of Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka, almost everyone has been in awe of Embiid’s dominance throughout the season. During the 2019–20 season, Udoka assisted coach Brett Brown in helping Embiid develop early in his career.
Regarding Embiid’s play in January, Udoka remarked, “I’ve worked with Joel and know him very well.” “He works hard for a guy his size to have the touch and intelligence quotient. Thus, I am not shocked.”
Udoka made his remarks the day after Embiid defeated Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs 133-123, scoring a career-high 70 points.
Udoka stated that he has always appreciated Embiid’s adaptability. He has a big advantage over his rivals because he can score on all three levels.
On January 15, Embiid led the 76ers to a nine-point victory over the Rockets by utilising his versatility against Udoka. Embiid finished the game with a game-high 41 points and 10 rebounds in the Rockets’ home victory, and the Rockets had no answer for him.
“He is not the traditional back to the basket big,” Udoka stated. “They remove him from the post and reposition him. In that mid-range, he is very dangerous. He is capable of making those shots. The 3-pointer is going through. And he can force his will to get to the free throw line.”
Embiid has averaged 37.7 points on 47.7 percent shooting, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in the first three games against the Knicks despite playing through injuries.
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