The Philadelphia 76ers‘ attempts at a Playoff push were dealt a big blow last night as they fell to a 103-106 loss at home to the Toronto Raptors with Joel Embiid in the lineup. The loss could have been avoided as well, with Embiid wide-open at the top of the key for a game-winning three-pointer.
Instead of shooting, Embiid hesitated and dribbled into traffic, getting stripped by Scottie Barnes as the 76ers fell to a 20-33 record on the season. The 76ers fans were not happy with Embiid, booing the former MVP out of the arena.
This was a bizarre move by Embiid. He’s a 33.3% three-point shooter this season, attempting 4.1 attempts a game. While he’s not a voluminous shooter for his position, that sort of open shot is one someone with Embiid’s ability needs to try each time he gets that opportunity. It was stunning to see him dribble into the defense and try to generate a foul instead of attempting the open look.
Embiid put up 27 points (8-19 FG) and 12 rebounds in the loss, with co-stars Paul George (14 PTS) and Tyrese Maxey (5 PTS) combining for 19 points on 6-21 shooting from the field.
Many people are trying to explain what Embiid did. He likely wasn’t confident in his shot and wanted to give himself a chance to take the game to OT by moving closer to the basket. He’s a center so this is an instinct, although Embiid just seemed indecisive and had a very loose handle on his move.
Some believe that Embiid was trying to generate a shooting foul on a potential game-ending possession, which would exhibit horrible IQ from the center. Referees avoid ending games on foul calls, so unless Embiid was blatantly hacked by his defenders, it would be hard for him to get a call in that situation.
Nonetheless, an MVP-winning player is expected to go for the win at all times. Even when LeBron James has mistakes in final possessions, it’s because he made a pass to an open shooter who missed or missed a clutch shot himself. Stars live with these decisions, but Embiid looked frazzled at the moment and made an indecisive move.
Embiid is averaging 24.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists this season. This was just his 16th game of the season, with the 76ers now needing every game he can play to dig themselves out of 13 games under .500. They’re currently the No. 11 seed in the Conference and are still expected to surpass the Chicago Bulls for the No. 10 seed.
Fans of the 76ers are upset with the actions of their MVP center. This has come at a bad time, especially with Embiid believed to be needing more time off to heal his knee and recently getting furious on-court with Kelly Oubre Jr.
The 76ers are reportedly dissatisfied with Embiid’s fledgling availability and the fanbase is turning on him for making crucial mistakes when he is available.
Unless we see Embiid return to MVP form, trying to make the Playoffs might be a lost cause for the 76ers who owe their first-round pick this season to the OKC Thunder (top-six protected) unless they can tank their way into the top six of the Draft at this point, which is unlikely.
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