Joel Embiid Battling Injuries to Save Sixers’ Series With 33 Point Explosion Leaves Fans in Awe – “Showed Up Big When Needed”

Joel Embiid impressed in Game 5 as he helped the 76ers keep the series alive.

Joel Embiid Battling Injuries to Save Sixers’ Series With 33 Point Explosion Leaves Fans in Awe – “Showed Up Big When Needed”

76ers center Joel Embiid (Image via FirstSportz)

In Short
  • Joel Embiid scored 33 points, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a crucial 113-97 victory over the Boston Celtics in Game 5.
  • Despite battling injuries throughout the season, Embiid's performance helped keep the 76ers' playoff hopes alive, reducing the series deficit to 3-2.
  • Embiid expressed confidence in his ability to dominate, stating, "I don’t think I can be stopped," after his standout game.

Riddled with injuries one after another, the 2025-26 campaign has been no different for Joel Embiid. He has been restricted to just 38 appearances this season. However, Embiid is back for the playoffs and provided the Philadelphia 76ers with a much-needed boost.

The 76ers’ season was on the line as they headed to the TD Garden, 3-1 down in the series. But a dominant performance from Embiid saw them overcome the Boston Celtics, winning 113-97 in Game 5.

Embiid made his return in Game 4 but couldn’t stop the Celtics as they ran away with the win. However, he put on a show in Boston, recording 33 points, four rebounds, and eight assists in 39 minutes.

Missing games due to injuries and playing through injuries is the story of Joel Embiid‘s career. After missing several games this year, it looked like Embiid was finally fit and healthy for the business end of the season. Unfortunately, he suffered another setback and had to undergo an appendectomy just before the Play-In Tournament.

The 76ers were able to make it to the playoffs as the seventh seed after beating the Orlando Magic in the Play-In Game. It was still not clear whether Embiid would be cleared to play in the first round against the Celtics. But the 76ers center made his comeback in Game 4 of the series.

It was a much-needed win for the 76ers with their season on the line. The Celtics still lead 3-2, but Embiid has helped keep the series alive.

Fans react to Joel Embiid’s vintage performance in Game 5 against the Celtics

It was just the performance Joel Embiid needed, considering all the noise and criticism surrounding him. With Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George on the floor, it was clear that Embiid was the best player on the court on Monday night.

Following the game, fans took to social media to react to Embiid’s incredible performance at TD Garden.

Fans were delighted to see the big man step up when the team needed him most. The 76ers will be hoping to see Embiid dominate once again as they look to win their next two games in the series.

Joel Embiid was out to score and stay aggressive in Game 5

It was a tight game till the end of the third quarter. The Celtics were leading 86-85 heading into the final quarter of the match. But that is when everything changed. Embiid took over the game, and the 76ers clamped down on the Celtics’ offense.

Joel Embiid has made it a habit of load managing
Joel Embiid (Image via Hoop X/X)

When asked about his approach to the game after the win, Embiid said:

I feel pretty good about my chances of going one-on-one against anyone in this league. I don’t think I can be stopped. Trying to do the best job possible, whether it is scoring or just being aggressive. Just finding the right balance and right mix.

Joel Embiid in his post-match press conference

Embiid has undeniably reinforced his status as the Sixers’ star and given the Sixers some much-needed momentum heading into Game 6 at home. With the series moving to Philadelphia for Game 6, 76ers fans will be hoping to see another vintage Embiid performance.

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