Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones Jr. take a look at how the former MVP has lifted Philadelphia in recent weeks. Check out the full conversation on “The Dunker Spot and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever you listen.
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Video Transcript
I personally want to talk about Joel Embiid.
Over his last 10 games, Nikai is averaging 28.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, shooting 51% from the field.
He scored 20 or more in 11 straight games.
And I think the fascinating part here, The Raptors and Sixers, coming off, playing back-to-back games.
And Embiid did not play in the first game.
He did play in the second.
And in that game, he reminded you of the impact he can have in the half court.
The decisions you have to make as a defense: “Okay, if we’re going to try and contain that drive, it puts us in a tough spot.”
Playing with Tyrese Maxey in two-man games and Understanding, “Hey, I have it going.
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You’re trying to guard Maxey.”
I don’t have to pop.
I can get it right back to Tyrese.
Things up for the Philadelphia 76ers in a way that’s just a lot different.
And so, mm-hmm.
…
I like the fact that, yes, Embiid can have that impact, yes.
We can keep pressure on teams, but it doesn’t have to be just a post-up.
We can generate open looks.
We can generate positive shots.
We can put ourselves in a good position with our guard play.
So, Embiid was able to just be so decisive that made things fun.
So, the question I’ll toss your way, Steve, is how sustainable do you think this is?
For Joel Embiid, and zooming out for the Sixers overall?
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The fact that they were able to get him to his spots within the flow of the offense important to me, as opposed to, “Hey, it has to just be Joel Embiid’s part.”
It’s not walking up, getting to him at the elbow.
It’s, “Okay, let’s run a pick and roll and see if we can get to it.”
Now they can play.
Off of each other within that.
So that’s the part where I’m like, I think this is sustainable for everyone.
We gotta piece it together, Embiid has to stay on the court and produce.
But when he’s able to do that, mm-hmm.
…
I think it’s tough to deal with.
Sixers, because now we can execute in the half court.
We can keep pressure on you.