Boston — Less than three weeks after undergoing an emergency appendectomy, Joel Embiid delivered 33 points to keep Philadelphia alive with Tuesday’s 118-97 Game 5 win over the Celtics.
The seven-time All-Star missed six of his first seven shots but finished 12-for-23 from the field and 9-for-10 at the line. Embiid added eight assists and four rebounds while repeatedly exploiting Boston’s interior defense. “He was dominant, especially in the second half,” said guard Tyrese Maxey, who recorded 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
Embiid said the victory prevented him from “going home and wondering what could have happened if I were healthy.” Philadelphia limited Boston to 97 points after surrendering 128 in Game 4. The 32-year-old center is listed as probable for Thursday’s Game 6 in Philadelphia, according to PhillyVoice’s Adam Aaronson.
Grimes swings bench battle
After Boston’s reserves controlled the first four games of the series, Sixers guard Quentin Grimes reversed course in Game 5. The impending free agent scored 18 points on efficient shooting in 24 minutes and provided stout perimeter defense. “He gave us a great lift on both ends,” head coach Nick Nurse said.
Schröder sparks Cleveland comeback
Veteran point guard Dennis Schröder played a limited role through the first four games against Toronto, averaging 11.3 minutes, but he delivered a pivotal halftime message Tuesday when Cleveland trailed by 14. The 32-year-old urged teammates to raise their energy and run the offense through big men Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Schröder then logged the entire fourth quarter, finishing with 19 points in 21 minutes — 11 in the final period — as the Cavaliers outscored the Raptors 25-17 to secure the comeback. Despite the win, The Athletic’s Jason Lloyd noted Cleveland’s uneven play over the past three contests raises questions about the club’s postseason durability.
Source: Hoops Rumors
