"Joel. Embiid." Paul George's podcast handle hypes up 76ers star on X after Team USA makes Olympic final
Joel Embiid delivered arguably his top performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics during Team USA's 95-91 semifinal victory over Serbia on Thursday. The superstar center's clutch two-way play garnered him an X/Twitter shoutout from his new Philadelphia 76ers co-star Paul George's podcast handle.
After being criticized for most of his first Olympic run, Embiid came up big when it mattered most. Facing a feisty Serbian squad featuring three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic, he recorded an Olympic career-high 19 points, four rebounds and two 3-pointers, shooting 72.7%.
On top of showcasing his offensive versatility, finishing second on Team USA in scoring, Embiid manned the paint against Jokic, playing physical defense. He also set a hard screen to free up superstar point guard Steph Curry for his go-ahead 3-pointer with 2:16 remaining. The basket marked three of Curry's game-high 36 points.
Embiid's inspired play proved crucial to the Americans' 17-point comeback, earning him praise from across the NBA world. That includes recognition from "Podcast P with Paul George's" X/Twitter handle (@PodcastPShow).
"Joel. Embiid.," the account tweeted alongside a photo of George and Embiid.
George signed a four-year, $212 million maximum contract with Embiid's Sixers last month, forming a new Big 3 alongside star guard Tyrese Maxey.
Maxey also shouted out Embiid on Thursday, simply tweeting, "Hey, Joel."
The trio will look to lead Philly past the NBA playoffs' second round for the first time since 2001 next season. So, George and Maxey were likely both encouraged by their superstar teammate's clutch play on the global stage.
Watch: Joel Embiid gets French crowd to boo him after Team USA win, dishes out 'suck it' celebrations soon after
LeBron James, Kevin Durant laud Joel Embiid following standout performance against Serbia
Among Joel Embiid's Team USA teammates seemingly most impressed with his stellar performance against Serbia were superstar forwards LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
James, who recorded the fourth triple-double in U.S. Olympic history (16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists), highlighted Embiid's clutch shot-making.
"Joel was everything," James said. "Made every big shot."
Meanwhile, Durant, who scored nine points off the bench, offered even higher praise regarding the one-time NBA MVP's two-way impact.
"He showed why he's one of the greatest ever to touch a basketball," Durant said. "He was finishing over the rim, knocking down shots, putting those guys in foul trouble. He was incredible tonight."
Embiid and Team USA will try to cap off their strong summer with a gold medal victory over France on Saturday. A gold medal would mark Embiid's first, while the U.S. men's basketball team is seeking its fifth straight.
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