Timberwolves’ Star Trio Offer Major Praise to 76ers’ Joel Embiid
Another night, another dominant showing for Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid.
While the reigning MVP’s scoring masterclasses have become typical in the month of December, his major scoring outing on Wednesday night just might be his most impressive yet, considering the opponent.
Heading into the matchup, the Minnesota Timberwolves established themselves as the league’s most efficient defensive squad. As a result of their success on the defensive side of the ball, the Timberwolves have led the way for the Eastern Conference, sitting in the No. 1 spot with a 20-5 record.
What was said on paper didn’t matter on the court for Embiid on Wednesday night. In his 36-minute shift against the talented Timberwolves, the six-time All-Star had another efficient night from the field, draining 17 of his 25 shots. Of course, he feasted at the free throw line, too, knocking down all but one of his 18 foul shots.
For the second time this season, Embiid produced at least 50 points for the 76ers.
“He had an amazing night,” said Timberwolves’ defensive standout, Rudy Gobert. “Very, very tough matchup. A tough player to guard.”
Gobert went through the total Embiid experience from the jump, as he landed in foul trouble early on. While the former Defensive Player of the Year questioned the way the game was getting called, his criticism of the officials didn’t cause Gobert to let that narrative overshadow Embiid’s showing.
“Regardless, he made a lot of tough shots tonight and got to the line,” the big man added. “Credit to them. They were very efficient tonight.”
While Gobert felt the Timberwolves played as physically as they could with how the game was getting called, the All-Star center Karl Anthony-Towns believed Minnesota could’ve turned it up a notch in the physicality department. However, he didn’t believe they made Embiid’s performance a cakewalk.
“Just making tough shots,” Towns said of Embiid. “When you’re making shots like that consistently, mid-range was working today for him. Got to the free-throw line a lot. It’s just — he’s a good player.”
The Sixers’ star center scored a game-high 51 points, leading his team to a notable 127-113 victory over the Timberwolves. Thanks to yet another remarkable performance put on by Embiid, the Sixers improved to 19-8 on the season.
“He’s unstoppable, man,” said Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards. “I don’t see how they lose a game, honestly.”
