NBA PLAYOFFS

Embiid 'still getting back' after Sixers loss to Celtics

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 10:11 - 04 May 2023

Newly crowned NBA MVP Joel Embiid had a less than stellar performance against the Boston Celtics in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Joel Embiid returned to the Philadelphia 76ers’ lineup to play Game 2 against the Boston Celtics after sitting out Game 1 with an LCL sprain, he was limited to just 15 points and three rebounds, in a 121-87 loss.

🏀 FINAL SCORE 🏀

Jaylen Brown comes up big as the @celtics win Game 2! The series shifts to Philadelphia tied at 1-1.

Malcolm Brogdon: 23 PTS, 6-10 3PM
Joel Embiid: 15 PTS, 5 BLK

BOS/PHI Game 3: Friday, 7:30pm/et on ESPN pic.twitter.com/PlpHDBrcIQ
— NBA (@NBA) May 4, 2023

Joel Embiid returns in vain as Boston Celtics beat Philadelphia 76ers to tie series in Game 2

Embiid on average performance against Celtics

“With what I have, I’m supposed to be out for four-to-six weeks or something like that. So, I’m not gonna be 100 percent for that whole time,” Embiid said.

Jayson Tatum scored just 7 points in Game 2 on 1-of-7 shooting.

Celtics beat the Sixers in by 33 in Joel Embiid's return 😳 pic.twitter.com/P8oaIoly4z
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) May 4, 2023

“I felt pretty good to play and I feel like I can help the team defensively and offensively,” Embiid continued.

“Obviously, offensively, I wasn’t as aggressive. I was just trying to let the game come to me. And then defensively, just protecting the rim. I think I did a fine job when it comes to that.”

“I just felt like being up 1-0 and having the chance to go up 2-0 against this type of team, I knew they were going to come at us. I expected it. But you never know, anything can happen,” Embiid concluded.

The Sixers will have a chance to defend home court against the Celtics for Games 3 and 4, with Embiid guaranteed to play a bigger role.