MVP, schMVP: Celtics crush 76ers in Joel Embiid’s return

A day after winning the 2022-2023 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player Award, Joel Embiid returned to a Philadelphia 76ers team who had already stolen Game 1 in his absence. The seven-footer’s presence was certainly felt with eight trips to the free throw line and five blocked shots in Game 2, but his team was blown out in a 121-87 loss on Wednesday night.

Despite what has been reported as worse than a Grade 1 LCL knee sprain, Embiid looked hobbled, but was active on both ends of the floor. He spun in both directions posting up on the block, was sure-footed in pick-and-pops, and was reactive as a rim protector on defense.

“He’s the MVP, man. He’s a phenomenal player. Tonight was just his first game…