Joel Embiid showed Wednesday why the Philadelphia 76ers are trusting the process. In his preseason debut, Embiid proved that he is a gamechanger. In only 15 minutes of action versus the Brooklyn Nets, the Cameroonian big man recorded 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one block. The 76ers ended up with a 133-114 victory.
Embiid's stellar outing against the Nets helped Philadelphia arrest a three-game losing streak and get its first preseason win. The 23-year-old did not miss a beat, even though it was in January when he last played. "I didn't expect that, but I've been working hard all summer," Embiid said of his performance according to ESPN.
"I didn't have a lot of time on the court. So I feel like I'm still behind. But with repetition, it's going to come."
It was just a preseason game, but it looks like the 76ers made the right move of granting Embiid a lucrative extension. Earlier this week, both sides reached an agreement for a five-year, $146.5 million contract.
Prospects emerge
Aside from Joel Embiid, Dario Saric played splendidly for the Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday. The Rookie of the Year candidate last season exploded for 26 points off the bench. He almost had a double-double as he also grabbed nine boards.
Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and T.J. McConnell stood out for Philadelphia too. The two were members of the 76ers' second unit as well and had 11 and 10 points respectively.
Ben Simmons failed to score in double figures, though he nearly filled the stat sheet. Simmons finished the contest with nine points, eight rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
Following the Brooklyn Nets, the 76ers are taking on the Miami Heat to end their preseason. The matchup with the Heat will take place on October 13 at the Sprint Center.
Lin-Russell duo continues to impress
The Brooklyn Nets lost to the Philadelphia 76ers, but Jeremy Lin and D'Angelo Russell again showed why their backcourt partnership is the hope of the rebuilding franchise. Russell top-scored for the Nets in the defeat with 24 points. He also tallied one rebound, three assists, and two steals.
Meanwhile, Lin registered 14 points, two rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block for the Nets. The point guard sensation shot well from the field going 4-of-7, including 2-of-3 from long range.
The loss to Philadelphia gave Brooklyn a 3-1 record this preseason. It was the Nets' final game before their regular season opens on October 18 in Indiana.
