Joel Embiid scored 39 points Friday in a victory over the Indiana Pacers, offering the Philadelphia 76ers a glimpse of their potential when their star center plays without physical restrictions.
Head coach Nick Nurse attributed the performance to recent practice work and individual sessions that allowed Embiid to attack from different spots on the floor. “The way he scored was varied,” Nurse noted, pointing to post-ups, face-ups and mid-range jumpers that kept Indiana off balance.
Embiid said the current schedule—one game followed by two days off before the next contest—has eased the strain on his knees. “It’s not glamorous, but it’s working,” he commented after the game.
Philadelphia’s staff believes simply having Embiid consistently available, rather than demanding MVP-level numbers every night, stabilizes the roster. The center’s health has often been a fragile factor in recent seasons.
The 76ers also made a subtle tactical shift: Paul George has taken on more ball-handling duties, functioning as a point forward to reduce pressure across the lineup. While the adjustment has attracted little attention, team officials say it has improved offensive flow.
With Embiid moving comfortably and additional playmaking options on the floor, the Sixers looked closer to a contender than a team waiting for its next injury update.
Source: Hoops Wire
