Philadelphia center Joel Embiid poured in 39 points Friday as the 76ers defeated the Pacers by 10, signaling a return to his former MVP form. Head coach Nick Nurse credited a full week of practice and Embiid’s individual workouts for the performance, noting that the big man “scored through a lot of different schemes” and attacked the rim early to draw fouls.
Embiid said his knees respond better when he gets extra rest between games. “The plan of having me play a game and then having two days off seems to be working,” he explained. “I’ve been able to get on the court and do a lot of work.”
George Thrives as Point Forward
Nurse has increasingly deployed Paul George as a point forward, and the veteran has totaled 13 assists over the past three contests. “I’m comfortable with the ball,” George said, adding that expanded ball-handling duties are helping him build confidence in his body after an intensive offseason.
Martin Named G League Player of the Week
Toronto two-way guard Alijah Martin captured NBA G League Player of the Week honors after averaging 26.0 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists in three victories for Raptors 905. The second-round rookie has appeared in two games with the parent Raptors this season.
Nets Rookies on Different Paths
Danny Wolf supplied 17 points and seven rebounds in Brooklyn’s loss to Dallas on Friday and is averaging 13.5 points over his last six outings. Head coach Jordi Fernandez said time with the Long Island Nets helped the 7-footer adjust. “Now that he’s in the rotation, he’s taking advantage of his minutes,” Fernandez noted.
Fellow rookie Egor Demin logged just over two minutes in the fourth quarter of the same game as Brooklyn struggled down the stretch. Fernandez urged the guard to play “with better readiness and better physicality,” warning that his role could shrink if improvement does not follow.
Source: Hoops Rumors
