"We can get physical too": Joel Embiid ready to dish out more than just dimes following heated Knicks-Sixers G3
Reigning MVP Joel Embiid is eager to build on the momentum of he and the team's win over the New York Knicks on Thursday. After dropping the first two games of the series on the road, including a controversial loss in Game 2, the 76ers were able to turn things around in Game 3. Their play was, of course, fueled by Embiid, who scored 50 in the win.
Despite his stellar play, and the nail-biter of a game, much of the focus of the game surrounded a controversial play that resulted in an injury to Mitchell Robinson. In the first quarter, after falling to the ground Embiid grabbed onto Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson's ankle.
The result was an ankle injury to Mitchell Robinson, a player who just recently returned from an ankle injury. While Joel Embiid was only given a Flagrant 1 for the play, which many concluded was far from a basketball play, Robinson left the game and never returned to the floor.
Ahead of a pivotal Game 4 on Sunday, April 28, Embiid spoke to reporters following Thursday's win to discuss the series and the physical play between the two teams.
“It was unfortunate. But a physical game. They want to bring the physicality. We can get physical, too, and we are. So I mean, it goes both ways. I get bumped all over the place, and I just keep playing. I’m not going to take it. I got to keep my mind and make sure that I don’t get outside of myself.
"I just got to keep being myself and being aggressive and physical.”
Looking at Joel Embiid's recent case of Bell's Palsy amid NBA playoffs
While Joel Embiid's previous meniscus injury was a major cause for concern among fans heading into the postseason, another medical situation has arisen. Prior to the team's play-in game against the Miami Heat, unbeknownst to fans, Embiid began to deal with a case of Bell's Palsy.
The medical condition can result in partial facial paralysis, which explains why Embiid has been seen struggling with one of his eyes. In addition, the reigning MVP had also notably been wearing sunglasses inside, raising questions about his health.
On Friday morning, a report from Adrian Wojnarowski shed light on the situation, indicating that Embiid has been receiving treatment for the condition for one week. According to Wojnarowski, Joel Embiid chose to keep the situation private because he didn't want to create a distraction for the team.
While speaking to media members on Thursday morning, Joel Embiid spoke about the situation:
"It’s pretty annoying with my left side of my face, my mouth and my eye. It’s been tough but I’m not a quitter. I gotta keep fighting through anything. It’s unfortunate, that’s the way I look at it. But that’s not an excuse. You gotta keep pushing.”
As previously mentioned, Game 4 in the Knicks-76ers series will take place on Sunday, April 28, with the 76ers looking to even up the series at home.