PHOTO: Sleeve on Joel Embiid’s surgically repaired knee gets blood stain after injury scare in Game 1
It was the Joel Embiid show when the Philadelphia 76ers took on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The big, returning from knee surgery, was a force in the postseason, dishing out 29 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. However, it was another injury scare that almost had the former MVP well out of the floor and the series.
In one instance, he found his route to the basket blocked by Mitchell Robinson, and the Sixers big slammed the ball to the backboard, caught it himself, and went for a thunderous slam. But in the process, he hit the ground and immediately grabbed his surgically repaired knee. There was also a spot of blood in the area.
The focus now will be on how Joel Embiid's left leg is holding up with a day's rest between Saturday’s Game 1 and Game 2 on Monday. On Saturday, Tyrese Maxey had a game-high 33 points, while veteran Kyle Lowry had 18 points for the 76ers.
76ers head coach Nick Nurse offers cryptic update on Joel Embiid's condition
The move that left the MSG in shock on Saturday also gave the Philadelphia 76ers camp enough concern. Joel Embiid struggled to be at his 100% and despite the injury scare, continued to play and finished his evening with 37 minutes on the floor.
Speaking to the media after the loss, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse offered a rather cryptic update on the center.
“Just like after every game, we’ll assess him and see how he’s doing. Listen, he’s really a warrior and he’s battling,” Nurse said. “And I think he absolutely wants to play. But let’s see how he turns out here tonight.”
The Sixers booked a date with the second-seeded Knicks and came into the postseason with the latter as favorites. That notion will indeed be true if Philly will lose Joel Embiid for a game or two. With NY leading 1-0, the 76ers will hope that their star player will suit up for the game on Monday to even things out.
Both teams meet for Game 2 on Apr. 22 at the Madison Square Garden, and this will be followed by two home games for the Sixers as they host the Knicks at the Wells Fargo Center. Only time will tell if the big has steered clear of another injury, especially with blood visible.