1. Joel Embiid demonstrates his true value
Granted, Embiid may have finished the game by shooting just 5-of-14 from the field while also committing a game-high five turnovers. However, his influence from a historical perspective simply cannot be denied.
In addition to his 17 points and 12 rebounds, Embiid was an astounding +40 while on the floor in what was an eventual 11-point margin. In short, the Sixers led the Raptors 100-60 in the 36 minutes Embiid was on the floor, and were outscored 41-12 when he was resting.
While he didn’t set the world on fire offensively, it was Embiid’s presence at the defensive end that made the greatest impression. In addition to his two blocked shots, Embiid registered a 80.0 defensive rating, comfortably the best return of the Sixers’ five starters.
“This was a do or die situation. I knew I had to come in with high spirits.”#PhilaUnite | #HereTheyCome pic.twitter.com/h1cNSNpSbi
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 10, 2019
This was a particularly pleasing performance from Embiid, who has struggled to make an impact throughout the series due to a combination of illness and injury. Following Game 5, in which he had just 13 points and six rebounds, the Sixers will naturally be hoping that their All-Star center will be able to bring this form forward to the decisive Game 7.
76ers force Game 7 by def. the Raptors 112-101.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 10, 2019
Joel Embiid finished +40 tonight, tied for the 2nd-best +/- in a single game by a 76ers player in the last 20 seasons (incl. playoffs). Philly has outscored Toronto by 80 pts with Embiid on the floor this series (-97 with him off). pic.twitter.com/QFlTdMBsyQ
In a game filled with some terrific individual performances, Embiid once again demonstrated that the Sixers’ ultimate ceiling rests with the impact he can make on a game-to-game basis.
Hopefully for Philly, that impact will extend to the decisive Game 7 on Sunday.