PJ Tucker BLASTS Joel Embiid, demands MVP to step up
The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Boston Celtics 115-116 in overtime to even the series at 2-2.
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Joel Embiid (L- Chris Szagola/AP) and PJ Tucker (R- David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
The 2023 NBA Conference Semi-Finals are shaping up brilliantly. The Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers locking horns is proving to be an exciting matchup as neither is bowing down to the other. Both mighty teams in the East are now neck and neck in the series after four games. Playing at home, the 76ers were down 2-1 ahead of Game 4 and needed an absolute win. However, with everyone except Joel Embiid failing to fire earlier, it looked unlikely. Much to Philadelphia’s pleasure, the former MVP; James Harden came out with another impressive performance in Game 4, scoring 42 points.
While Harden had a fantastic evening, Joel Embiid struggled a little despite putting up 34 points and 23 rebounds. The 2022-23 season MVP shot 11-26 from field goals and 0-3 from three-pointers. On other evenings, Embiid is rather reliable for his team. However, today he wasn’t the asset he is otherwise known to be. Out of the many people who pointed out Embiid’s out-of-color performance, his teammate and veteran forward P.J. Tucker was brutally honest with his remarks. Tucker spoke to the press in the post-game press conference.
“Nobody can guard Joel one on one. There’s no way. No disrespect to Al (Horford) or anybody else but I’ve guarded him for many years,” PJ Tucker started off talking about Joel Embiid’s performance in Game 4. “When he’s aggressive and assertive, it’s impossible, and I seen him two plays in a row not do that. And we can’t have that. Not with the season on the line.”
Even Joel Embiid himself acknowledged that he wasn’t at his best. “We know we didn’t play our best. I was terrible tonight, I gotta be better, and I will be better,” he said.
Related: Joel Embiid’s Contracts and Salary Breakdown: How much is the NBA star earning?
What to expect next in the Celtics-76ers series?
After James Harden’s heroics in Game 4, the series is now all tied up at 2-2. The teams will now head back to Boston for Game 5. While the Celtics almost won this game, they would go back with a little to reflect on. However, they wouldn’t be too critical of themselves as they put up a great fighting spirit.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have been phenomenal offensively. Moreover, Al Horford’s contribution on the defensive end would be considered priceless for the Celtics. His efforts to keep the MVP restricted in Game 4 almost won Boston the game. However, as they go back to home court for the next one, they would look to convert it into a win and take a series lead yet again.
James Harden would feel rather good about himself after two poor games. Moreover, the 76ers are back on track and will look to continue their winning momentum forward. Philly has already won a game in Boston and would expect the same from themselves again. Keeping aside his struggles in Game 4, Joel Embiid has been impressive with his consistent performance for his side. However, the 76ers will need well-functioning teamwork on display if they want to beat the Boston Celtics.
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Ritvik Malhotra
(1085 Articles Published)