Joel Embiid shows out after being named an All-Star starter
Midday Thursday, Joel Embiid was named as an Eastern Conference starter for his first ever NBA All-Star Game. He hasn’t played in every game this season, but his beastly performances more than warrant the reward.
While most players might’ve taken this moment as a chance to relax and take a breather, Embiid celebrated with yet another dominance performance. The Cameroonian big man scored 26 points, handed out six assists and tied his career-high with 16 boards.
It wasn’t the most explosive offensive performance by either team, but 89-80 win over the Boston Celtics was just the kind of statement victory the Philadelphia 76ers needed to steer their ship back in the right direction. With the win, the Sixers jumped ahead of the Detroit Pistons to overtake the eight seed in the Eastern Conference.
They’re in the playoff picture for now, but if they continue to blow 21 point leads like tonight, they can’t expect to stay there for long. Although losing games has been one of Philly’s greatest weaknesses this season, they’re not as far from competing for a title as they might seem.
It’s important to remember that their two stars include a 23-year-old center who hasn’t played a healthy season and a 21-year-old point forward who’s the closest thing to LeBron aside from LeBron himself. The Sixers are young and inexperienced, but once they learn how to win, I don’t anticipate them losing many games.
Dynasties are built upon generational stars, and lucky for the City of Brotherly Love, they just happen to have a few. If you consider that this year’s first overall pick Markelle Fultz has yet to reveal his true talents as he nurses a shoulder injury, their future goes from bright to blinding.
They’re not there yet, but don’t count them out. They have the talent, now they just need time.
