PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Philadelphia 76ers celebrated the much-anticipated return of Joel Embiid on Friday night, as he led the team to a decisive 108-98 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at the Wells Fargo Center. Embiid, wearing a protective "Phantom of the Opera" mask due to a sinus fracture, showcased his elite talent, scoring 34 points and dishing out nine assists, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Embiid's return was met with roaring applause, and he didn’t disappoint. He established his presence early, scoring 22 points within the first three quarters and focusing on driving the offense as the 76ers netted their fourth win out of the last five games. Interestingly, this matchup marked only the fourth time this season where Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George— the team's three All-Stars—appeared together on the court.
Despite their sub-.500 record of 9-16, the 76ers appear to be gaining momentum and confidence on their path to potentially make the play-in tournament.
Embiid’s return was particularly impactful following the struggles he faced earlier this season due to injuries, which had limited him to just seven games prior to this match. Amid concerns surrounding his health, Embiid expressed gratitude for the support he's received from teammates like George. “It’s great. You can never get enough of the support,” he said after the game.
Charlotte, on the other hand, stumbled once again, marking their fourth successive loss and exacerbation of issues as they dropped to just one win out of their last 13 outings. Vasilije Micic led the Hornets offensively with 20 points, but the team struggled defensively against Embiid's dominant performance—and the collective three-point shooting of the 76ers.
It was the first quarter where the 76ers made their mark. Player Tyrese Maxey hit four three-pointers and the overall shooting percentage from the floor peaked at 56%, giving Philadelphia an early 18-point lead. The 76ers’ strong performance continued as they finished with 12 successful three-pointers, largely attributed to the efforts of Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr., who scored 22 points.
“When you have support from family, people close to you, your teammates—guys like him (George)—that’s the reason you keep going,” Embiid remarked, emphasizing the importance of teamwork during challenging times. Coach Nick Nurse also highlighted how the offensive two-man game between Embiid and Maxey continuously tore apart the Hornets' defense.
The Hornets also felt the absence of LaMelo Ball, who missed the game due to precautionary management of his injured left calf. This missing piece was severely noticeable, as the team struggled to generate any consistent offensive flow, landing them at the bottom of the standings.
Despite the adversity, Coach Nurse noted the importance of Embiid on the floor, calling him “a cheat code” with his ability to manipulate the pace of the game. George, seeking to adjust and complement Embiid’s play style, reiterated his efforts to improve on cutting and reading spaces effectively. “He just makes the game easy,” said George about Embiid’s ability to create opportunities for others.
Throughout the game, it was evident how the 76ers capitalized on their shooting prowess and Embiid’s determination to establish control. His early offensive burst was integral to maintaining the lead, and as the Hornets cut the deficit from 23 points to just four late in the fourth quarter, Embiid’s steady support was unmistakable. He put up 12 points when it mattered most, ensuring the victory was sealed for the 76ers amid mounting Hornet pressure.
Moving forward, the 76ers will face the Cleveland Cavaliers next—it's expected to be another tough game, with the Cavaliers currently leading the league. Should the 76ers continue their current form and draw on the strengths of their key players, the playoffs may still be within reach.
“We’ve been playing well, and I feel good. So, I’m going to continue to lace it up,” George stated, hinting at their shared optimism for the upcoming matches. The energy surrounding the 76ers after Embiid’s return is palpable, signaling not just hope, but also resilience on their quest to turn the season around.
