Joel Embiid hilariously drops the mic on past bench fights

The Philadelphia 76ers they got off to a great start this season, winning their first two games against the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets, respectively. But it wasn’t just the wins that got the fans’ attention; it was also Joel Embiidhilarious response to a reporter’s question about the team’s improved play without him on the field.

During the postgame press conference following Philly’s 125-121 win over Charlotte, a reporter pointed out that the Sixers looked surprisingly comfortable even when Embiid isn’t playingsomething that was an obvious problem in previous years. The reigning MVP wasted no time in dropping a line that perfectly blended sincerity and humor.

“It’s been 12 years. I’ll take it.”

Reporter: The team plays better when you’re not playing, which was obviously a big problem last year.

Joel Embiid: “It’s been 12 years. I’ll take it.”

(h/t @MrBuckBuckNBA)pic.twitter.com/VGlVlid434

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 26, 2025

It was the ultimate mic-down moment from the franchise cornerstone of the 76ers, who seemed genuinely amused and relieved by the progress. Embiid added: “If the team can play like this in big games or in the playoffs, and if it’s an effort when I’m not on the floor, then I’m happy not to play.”

His comments, while light-hearted, highlight something deeper: For years, the Sixers’ bench has struggled mightily when Embiid sits. Minutes without Embiid have long been a sore point in Philadelphia’s playoff run, often resulting in momentum-changing collapses.

So far this season, however, the story seems different. In the Sixers’ opening night win against the Celtics, Embiid struggled and scored just four points in 20 minutes. But against the Hornets, he jumped back quickly and scored 20 points, albeit in just 20 minutes as Andre Drummond got important closing minutes as the 76ers came back. Meanwhile, Philadelphia’s backcourt stepped up impressively, moving the ball fluidly and controlling play at both ends.

New head coach Nick Nurse seems to have achieved more balance in the rotation, with players like Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. shining early.

The 76ers now focus on their next test against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 28. If Philadelphia’s depth continues to shine, Embiid may just keep smiling as he drops more legendary one-liners.