Embiid Rediscovers MVP Form, Paul George: “He’s Coming Back”
Two years after his historic 70-point night, Joel Embiid sends a message to the NBA with a 32-point triple-double: the form is coming back and the 76ers can dream big
At the exact spot where two years ago he wrote a page of history with 70 points, Joel Embiid sent a clear message to the rest of the NBA: the process of returning to the top has entered its decisive phase.
At the Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia beat Houston 128-122 in overtime, led by an Embiid increasingly close to his best version: 32 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, for a triple-double that had been missing for some time and that tells far more than a simple stat line.
Even more significant is the minutes total: 46 on the floor, his most in a regular-season game in over three years. A strong signal, perhaps the most encouraging one for the 76ers.
It’s definitely a very important step forward.
Nick Nurse
Solid Numbers and Encouraging Defensive Signs
Embiid finished 10-of-19 from the field and 11-of-12 at the free-throw line, setting two season highs in rebounds and assists. While the three-point shot remains a question mark (26.3%, a career low), everything else is back at elite levels: 54% from two and 86% from the line.
But it’s not just about offensive efficiency. In recent weeks, the Cameroonian center has shown increasingly evident defensive mobility, with blocks, rebounding presence and constant physicality.
Dunking, protecting the rim, battling on the glass… all of that takes a toll on the body. Now you can see he’s feeling better, that the competitive fire is coming back. Even in practice you can tell Joel is getting back into the shape that made him dominant in this league.
Paul George
A return that, as Paul George himself points out, also carries a human element: regaining confidence after a season marked by injuries is never a given.
With this win, the 76ers improve to 24-19, remaining firmly in the top six of the Eastern Conference and just one and a half games behind the Knicks, their next opponents.
It’s exactly what we had in mind. A lot of losses came in games that were within reach. We could easily be in the top three. This team is built to compete.
Paul George
The comparison with last season is inevitable. A year ago, Embiid was close to a definitive shutdown, Paul George was dealing with physical issues, and the franchise was looking more toward the lottery than the standings. Today, the picture is completely different.
The Priority Remains One: Keeping Embiid Healthy
The 2023 MVP remains cautious, aware of the limits that still exist.
I can’t play back-to-backs, but when I’m available I want to be there at 100%. Being consistent is the most important thing.
Joel Embiid
Philadelphia knows it well: in an Eastern Conference without a clear dominant force, the real swing factor is the condition of its leader. And if this is the trajectory, the end of the season promises sparks.