Kansas basketball: Joel Embiid drops 40 and 20 in 76ers’ first game back
Kansas basketball alum and NBA all-star Joel Embiid had a monster game in the Philidelphia 76ers’ first game back since the NBA’s hiatus.
Kansas basketball star Joel Embiid wasn’t playing around in the 76ers’ return to the NBA. The former Jayhawk dropped a phenomenal 41 points, 21 rebounds, and three blocks; however, this wasn’t enough to get the win. Philadelphia fell to the Indiana Pacers in a 127-121 loss.
Judging by the numbers he put up, it certainly doesn’t look like Embiid was at fault for the loss. The Sixer Sense put it best:
"If there’s one person you can’t fault in this loss, it’s Joel Embiid, who was at his absolute best after playing just 12 minutes across three scrimmages in Orlando. Embiid looked perfectly up to speed, abusing the Pacers’ undersized and understaffed frontcourt."
Despite the tough start, the 76ers still have a legit shot to bring home an NBA title, and Embiid could be the first Jayhawk to win one since Sasha Kaun back in 2016. As a matter of fact, contributor Dakota Fearn predicts Embiid has the best shot at a ring in 2020 out of all of the NBA Jayhawks including Frank Mason and the Morris twins.
If the Sixers are going to get that ring, Embiid will definitely be a huge part of it. He’s averaging 24 points and 12 rebounds per game this season, and it’s critical that he plays to his potential every night for Philadelphia to be successful.
hoops. Top ten Jayhawks of the decade. light
One thing is for sure though, and it’s that Embiid isn’t messing around now that the NBA is back and there’s a ring on the line. Hopefully, the Sixers will be able to rebound from this early loss and Embiid can lead them to the NBA Finals.