Joel Embiid wants to get other Sixers involved in offense
“When we get there, we’re gonna need everybody,” the center said of the NBA postseason. “I’m gonna need everybody if I want to win a championship.”
HOUSTON — Monday was different.
The dominance that Joel Embiid has displayed most of the season was missing in the 76ers’ 106-94 victory over the Chicago Bulls.
What happened?
Embiid made just 4 of 13 shots and finished with 13 points, a game-high 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 4 turnovers in 32 minutes, 57 seconds at the United Center. His points were well below his NBA third-best average of 29.0. His 30.8% shooting marked his worst performance since he shot 25.0% against the Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 25.
Was he fatigued from playing his second game in as many days and fifth contest in eight days? Or did the league MVP candidate’s left knee or right shoulder bother him?
“I’m feeling OK,” Embiid said. “I’m just managing it. The last couple of games, it just feels like I’ve been going through the motions. I’m just trying to make sure I get to the playoffs healthy.”
» READ MORE: Sixers outclass Bulls, 106-94, and extend lead over Nets to one game
This marked the third time in the last four games that the four-time All-Star finished with fewer than 20 points. That’s happened only eight times in his 46 games this season. But the circumstances were different the previous two times he didn’t score at least 20. Embiid sat out the fourth quarters of those blowout victories.
He had 17 points in 25:09 during a 127-83 victory over the Atlanta Hawks last Wednesday. Embiid followed that up with 18 points in 24:49 in Friday’s 126-104 win against the Hawks. Then, on Sunday, he finished with 34 points while playing 34:37 in a 113-111 overtime victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
“I’m just trying to get guys involved,” Embiid said. “I haven’t been looking to score except the San Antonio game because I really had to. No one on the team had it going. Whenever I’m needed, I’m gonna be there.”
Embiid knows he can’t win alone. That’s why he said he’s trying to get guys to be confident in themselves.
Seth Curry has scored 20 or more points in three of the Sixers’ last four games. Tobias Harris has been playing at an All-Star level all season. Three-time All-Star Ben Simmons has been the multifaceted standout. Danny Green provides leadership and a three-and-D presence. And while they blew leads in the last two games, the bench players have made major improvements since the start of the season.
“When we get there, we’re gonna need everybody,” Embiid said of the playoffs. “I’m gonna need everybody if I want to win a championship.”
» READ MORE: Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid’s rapport has been a pleasant surprise for Sixers coach Doc Rivers
Embiid has missed two games since returning from a bone bruise in his left knee on April 3. He sat out the next day’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies to help his recovery. Then Embiid was sidelined on April 24 vs. the Milwaukee Bucks with right shoulder soreness.
So, he’s played in 14 of the Sixers’ last 15 games, including three back-to-backs, despite the knee and shoulder ailments.
Embiid has played in 70.7% of the Sixers’ games after playing Monday. As a result, he’s once again qualified to be listed among NBA statistical leaders. That’s why he’s third in scoring, behind Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (31.4) and Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal (30.9). Embiid is 10th in rebounds (10.8) and 11th in blocks (1.4).
A player must play in 70% of his team’s games to qualify. Embiid has to play in five of the Sixers’ remaining seven games to remain qualified.
The Sixers will look to extend their winning streak to six games on Wednesday night against the Houston Rockets. The Rockets have the league’s worst record at 16-49. They have lost two straight and 12 of their last 14 games.