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Kansas basketball: Joel Embiid, 76ers keep championship hopes alive with Game 4 victory

By Joshua Schulman

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 07: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter in game four of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 07, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 07: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Boston Celtics during the fourth quarter in game four of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 07, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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Kansas basketball’s best current NBA product, Joel Embiid, helped keep the 76ers’ championship hopes alive with a massive win last night.

In the quest for his first NBA Finals trip, former Kansas Jayhawks center Joel Embiid posted a monster performance in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The 2023 MVP scored 34 points and grabbed 13 boards en route to the overtime victory over the Boston Celtics. It is a 2-2 tie as the series heads back to Boston for Game 5 on Tuesday.

ALSO READ: Four NBA Jayhawks advance to conference semifinals

While James Harden was the star of the show, Embiid posted his most promising outing of the playoffs. He assisted Harden on what was the eventual game-winning three-pointer:

Had Philadelphia lost this game, their season would have likely been over in the next few days. The conference semifinals are the hump that Embiid cannot get over, as he is 0-4 in them for his career. He has never advanced to the conference finals but will look to do so this season.

The 6ers surpassed their highest win total since they drafted Embiid in 2014. They won 54 games, good for third in the Eastern Conference. As good as Joel has been, he is already 29 years old. His championship window will be closing soon if they fail to advance.

RELATED: Joel Embiid becomes first former Jayhawk to win MVP since Wilt Chamberlain

There will be two games in Boston (one if it is not needed) and one in Philadelphia. Boston made the NBA Finals last season, eventually losing to the Golden State Warriors in the Finals. Former Jayhawk Andrew Wiggins won his first title in that series.

In order to capture his first title, Embiid must continue playing at this high level. He has not looked like himself in the postseason before this game.

It would be the icing on the cake if he could become a champion and the league MVP all in the same year. He would be the first player to do so since Stephen Curry in 2015.

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