“Better than Jokic when healthy” – Joel Embiid achieves unique stat-line on return from injury; fans excited 

76ers star Joel Embiid made a swift return to his side and dropped a masterclass against the Hornets in the NBA.

“Better than Jokic when healthy” – Joel Embiid achieves unique stat-line on return from injury; fans excited 

Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Charlotte Hornets by a commanding 108-98 on Friday night, marking their victorious return to the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers had previously won their last three games between the two teams, therefore this matchup was their last one for the season. Notably, it was Sixers star Joel Embiid that attracted all the attention for his performance against the Hornets.

Wearing a protective mask, Embiid made an extraordinary comeback from a right nasal fracture, scoring 34 points, dishing out eight assists, and pulling down five rebounds. Early on, the Sixers controlled and grew their lead to 23 points. In the final seconds, the Hornets were able to reduce the gap to only four points, but Philadelphia showed tenacity to win the game.

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In addition to the points and assist, Embiid also had 2 steals and 2 blocks in the game. This made him the first center to reach those numbers in a game this season. This performance had the NBA fans comparing him to Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic, with some calling him to be better than the Serbian star. Some fans went to the extent to label him as the ‘best center in the league.’

Aside from Embiid, his teammate, Kelly Oubre Jr. contributed 22 points and five rebounds. Tyrese Maxey also had a strong game with 23 points and six assists. Paul George contributed five points, ten rebounds, and eight assists, demonstrating his versatility. The 76ers are regaining form after a poor start to the season. They are 9-16 in the NBA and sit in 12th place in the East.

Fans pour in immense praise for 76ers center Joel Embiid after monstrous performance against Hornets

After countless injuries, and setbacks, the Philadelphia 76ers star man Joel Embiid finally showed up against the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA. Embiid has been going through a lot of emotions lately. This is due to various injuries to his knee, nose, back, etc. Despite the turmoil, the ‘Big Man’ dropped a whopping 34 points on the Hornets.

Fans were left amused as they took to various social media apps to put forward their views and praise towards the 76ers star. One fan wrote on X, “Better than jokic when healthy still.” This is somewhat a huge statement made by the fan. However, Embiid just like Jokic is in a league of his own, when healthy. Check out some of the fan reactions below:

Embiid made his early comeback and immediately established himself as a force on the attacking end. He was somewhat hampered by the mask, but his influence was evident. Together with George, his mobility and Maxey’s pick-and-roll style presented the Hornets with impossible challenges. Now, all eyes will be on the Big Man’s fitness going into the season.