The Philadelphia 76ers completed the comeback on Saturday against the Boston Celtics on the road. After falling behind 3-1 in the series, the 76ers flipped the momentum entirely and won three straight to advance.
Joel Embiid’s return played a massive role in Philadelphia’s turnaround. Embiid missed the first three games of the series while recovering from an emergency appendectomy. Despite undergoing surgery and playing through discomfort, the 32-year-old center looked as impactful as ever.
Saturday’s win ended multiple personal streaks for Embiid. He had never defeated the Celtics in a postseason series, and he had lost three straight Game 7s. That changed when he delivered a dominant 34-point performance with 12 rebounds and six assists in the clincher.
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But after the celebration, attention quickly shifted to Embiid’s health. With the clock winding down in the fourth quarter, Embiid was struck inadvertently by point guard Tyrese Maxey on a defensive possession.
Maxey fell to the floor while guarding Jaylen Brown and rolled backward into Embiid’s left knee, causing it to hyperextend. Embiid was seen hobbling in pain and did not finish the game, exiting with only seconds remaining.
After the win, Embiid spoke with reporters and offered an update on his health. When asked how his body felt as the series progressed, he responded, “I feel great. I feel amazing.” Given the visible pain hours earlier, Embiid was likely joking or at least trying to downplay the concern.
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Embiid has dealt with multiple serious injuries to both knees throughout his career. In 2024, he tore his left meniscus, and even before that he battled recurring knee issues that have shaped his availability for nearly a decade.
Replacing a player of Embiid’s caliber is impossible. He is a former MVP, seven-time All-Star and five-time All NBA selection. Philadelphia has grown accustomed to navigating stretches without him. Still, the 76ers know their ceiling depends on his presence.
Philadelphia will now take on the New York Knicks in the second round of the NBA playoffs, hoping their superstar’s latest scare proves to be nothing more than that.