In better shape, Joel Embiid is still aiming for his first dunk

Quiet, Paul George and Joel Embiid match after match, and this is very good news for both players, and for the Sixers in general. Their knees seem to hold, and on this night, against Dallaswe saw a much more mobile Embiid than a few weeks ago. He’s still not the Joel Embiid of 2023, but he can go back and forth without looking like he just got out of bed.

“I feel like I’m myself again, and I think tonight’s game was a perfect example of that.” he explains in the dressing room. “It differs from match against Memphis. In Memphis I had to be a little more aggressive, whereas tonight it was all about creating opportunities for others. I have to take what the defense gives me, for me and for all the guys on the team. But what I feel the most is defensiveness: I find this level where I move my feet well, block shots and have a real presence in defense. »

Anthony Davis can attest to that as the Dallas interior has struggled to get close to the rim. What is reassuring is that the Cameroonian plays 35 minutes, and despite his statistics (22 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds), he easily accepts being the second option in the attack.

“We just play basketball, and we’ve always had a good relationship in the two-man game. We know how to read each other.” he continues about his work with Tyrese Maxey. “As I get back to being myself, my priority is to make the game easier for everyone, especially with the attention I can get. We just play with each other. That’s the easy part. The most important thing is to make sure everyone is involved.”

T-Mac is trying!

Since he feels better physically, does it affect his mind? Will he take more risks on the jump or in attacks at the front of the racket?

“If we really talk about how I feel, I think back two years ago, when I felt like I was at my peak: every time I stepped on the court, I felt like I could give 40 or 50 points every night. I’m gradually getting back to that. I can be more aggressive, but I’m also smarter in the way I play: I work on defense and I take everything I do, I take what others do. We know that in time we will all be needed.

Proof that he’s really feeling good, this T-Mac try against the Grizzlies after a backboard pass.

“I can be a little silly sometimes. The last time I tried this, I hurt myself. But hey, maybe that’s a sign that I’m feeling pretty good. At first I was going to lay up, and then I felt the defender coming and I said to myself, ‘I might as well dunk.’ I missed it, but I think that’s a good sign. I haven’t nailed it yet this season, so it has to be spectacular first. »

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / 3 points in an attempt; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.