Whether it comes from statistical measurements, accomplishments or just pure wins and losses, Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid is in the midst of a career-best season. He has played in more games (51), averaged more points (23.6), rebounds (11.1) and assists (3.2) than ever this season, all while garnering All-Star honors and putting the Sixers in the Eastern Conference playoff chase.
Since the All-Star break, his stats have been more or less on pace with his season averages (22.9 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 3.8 apg). That hasn’t been as much of a concern for Embiid as his play over the last few games have been, writes Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer:
“In a season, you’re going to go through slumps,” he said, “and I feel like I have been playing bad recently, although the box score might not say it.”
Embiid has averaged 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, three assists, 1.5 blocks and five turnovers in the last two games.
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Reserve wing Justin Anderson disagrees with Embiid’s assertion that he’s coming off two bad games. Anderson just thinks the standard is just set high.
“Jo thinks if he doesn’t score 30 and [have] 10 rebounds, it’s a bad game,” said Anderson, interrupting Embiid saying he was in a funk.
Embiid agreed, acknowledging that he set the bar high for himself.
“I feel like every night that I come out I have to do that,” he said of finishing with 30 points and 10 rebounds.
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