The Atlanta Hawks' double-team came early and often, with help waiting for defenders behind them. That's the attention Philadelphia 76ers center and MVP finalist Joel Embiid demands when he's working less.
With little room to work in Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals, Embiid was limited to 14 field goal attempts, along with six shots that resulted in a trip to the free throw line—heavier than his 21 shots in Game 1. 25 in reduction and game 2. Despite the short diet, Embiid maintained his dominance and efficiency in the Sixers' 127–111 victory.
Embiid's production was crucial to Philadelphia's attack on Friday night, but his versatility as an offensive player propelled the Sixers to arguably their most impressive performances this post season. A primary reason Embiid didn't equal the output of his efforts in Game 3? He was looking for teammates from the Hawks' double-teams. On three occasions, he hit players from the Sixers' perimeter for clean 3-pointers. Embiid racked up eight assists, the most since his regular-season loss to the Golden State Warriors on April 19.
"I've come a long way," Embiid said. "But, I think the game has slowed down for me this year. The way I look at the floor is completely different than in years past... I just try to play the best possible . Even if I get shot up there are many ways to do it."
As the largest body on the floor, the Embiid provided the screen and rubbish fueling the Sixers' offensive attack. Overnight, the Hawks found themselves picking from Embiid. As a result, the Atlanta defense spent most of the night in melee.
Hawks coach Nate McMillan said, "It was like a downhill game for us tonight, where they were turning the corner on those screens with Embiid and [Ben] Simmons, and basically just playing in our paint. Were." "We have to do a better job of helping us stay on the screens - but the guards have to go through those screens."
Remarkably, Embiid has done it all with a meniscus tear in his right knee, an injury he suffered in Game 4 of Philadelphia's first-round series against the Washington Wizards. Embiid continues to receive treatment on his knee as he progresses into the post season.
"Playing with a torn meniscus isn't easy," Embiid said. "It's going to hurt. You just have to manage it. Tonight, rolling on my ankle, and falling on my back, it's tough. But, it's the playoffs, I can't complain. I'm here to play." I've said in the past, I'll give whatever I can. Even if I'm playing an injury, I still have to do my job. That's why they pay me, and I I want to win the championship."
As heavy a burden as Embiid is for the Sixers, it got some welcome help from the supporting cast on Friday night.
The Sixers' starting lineup posted an eye-popping net rating of 39 per 100 assets, better than the competition. Outside that unit, Philadelphia has struggled — minus -1.9 in 231 minutes, according to ESPN Stats and Information Research. In Game 3, the Sixers reserve shone. Backup shooting guard Furkan Korkamaz pulled out a trio of 3-pointers - two of them courtesy of kickouts from Embiid. Korkamaz finished with 14 points and a game-high plus-24 in 27 minutes.
"Tonight, the difference was bowling," said Sixers forward Tobias Harris. "That's the thing with the playoffs and the beauty of the playoffs, being on a team like ours - it could be a different guy every night who brings in that extra effort. You saw the difference in the first half heat up there, him Mila Swag and her confidence shot a 3 and made a big 3 in the fourth quarter. You love to see it."
Korkamaz was not alone. The Sixers scored 11 deeps in Game 3, with each member of the bench contributing crucial minutes. In his second season, Matisse Thybulle has emerged as a key defensive stopper, taking over the defense of Trey Young for significant portions. Shake Milton, who was recently kicked out of Coach Dock Rivers' rotation as of Game 1, has been reborn from the bench as Microwave. Dwight Howard walks in and patrols Glass for the Sixers when Embiid is off the floor, while George Hill provides a steady veteran hand to the second unit.
It's a welcome development, as depth hasn't been a strong suit of the Sixers in recent seasons. His bench shooting has been erratic, the defense is a mediocre collapse from the starting unit's stalwart half-court and transition effort, and the flow has often been sticky. This has resulted in additional pressure on Embiid.
The deeper the Sixers summer, the more reliable production required from the reserves. With Danny Green's forecast uncertain, the Sixers will have to tap another unit for a stand-in.
This incarnation of the Sixers is one of the remaining unconventional contenders. In an NBA dominated by high pick-and-roll and 3-pointers, they rely on the league's most influential post player and the unicorn of a 6-foot-10 point guard who doesn't shoot. His supporting cast is a group of imperfect players who have one or two characteristics, yet are far from perfect.
Still, here are the Sixers, working on their strengths and playing their part. As Embiid says, they've come a long way—which is encouraging, because they still have a long way to go.