Joel Embiid has been playing high-level basketball while facing health issues, more precisely with a bum knee and a mild case of Bell's palsy. Despite all these issues, Embiid has carried the Philadelphia 76ers on his back, scoring 50 points to lead them to a 125-114 win in Game 3 of their series against the New York Knicks .
It was a strong performance, but former NBA veteran and head coach Mark Jackson discussed what a 50-point night means in today's game and how it is not as impressive as getting 50 in previous eras of the league.
"In fairness, it's not what it used to be. I don't want to sound like an old head, but the game is spread, shooting on the floor, and it's at a much faster pace. It's different getting 50 when the score is 94-92," Jackson said on his podcast. "You clearly were the most dominant guy. This is no disrespect, but it's a different game today. You've seen so many guys get 50, 60, 70. But I'm not gonna take away from the greatness of Joel Embiid ."
Embiid was still special in Game 3
While Mark was not as impressed with people scoring 50 nowadays, he did show appreciation for what Joel did in Game 3 against New York. He set the tone for the 76ers as the team rallied around his performance, getting a solid performance from the supporting cast.
Tyrese Maxey scored 25 points to support him, while Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in with 15 points. Embiid had help from his teammates, but he still carried the team with 50 big points, cementing himself as the best player on the floor to hold off the Knicks.
It was a grueling game for both teams, as the Knicks had a well-rounded performance from the team. All-Star guard Jalen Brunson spearheaded the team with 39 points and 13 assists, which wasn't enough for the Knicks to take a commanding 3-0 lead.
The 76ers have momentum ahead of a pivotal Game 4, but the Knicks will come back swinging. Brunson and the rest of the Knicks are confident they could win the game and take a commanding lead, so it is up to Embiid and Philly to tie it all up at two games apiece.
Embiid's performance was controversial
While Joel had a fantastic game with his 50 points, there were some questionable moments during the game. The most prominent was Embiid getting a flagrant foul when he fell onto the floor and grabbed Mitchell Robinson's ankle, prompting the big man to fall.
Another play further into the game led to Robinson injuring his other ankle after a collision with Embiid's foot. Coach Tom Thibodeau was displeased with what happened, saying that multiple missed calls should be visible in future games.
Josh Hart also spoke about the flagrant foul, which he labeled as a reckless decision.
" I'm all for tough fouls or playoff fouls, but that's something that can put a guy out for a significant amount of time," Hart said after the game.
The 50-point performance was an amazing game, but it left a sour taste in people's mouths due to the antics. Hopefully, Game 4 will be a cleaner game that is more exciting for everyone on the floor, in the arena, and at home.
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