Sometimes, history repeats itself.
For the second time in four postseasons, Joel Embiid dominated a key Game 3 victory against the Toronto Raptors, headlined by a 33-point outing. This occasion, though, came on the road and required 52 minutes, 59.1 seconds to be decided. Rather than restful moments on the bench as a blowout win concluded, Embiid wrapped up this one with jubilant celebration.
Securing a commanding 3-0 lead demanded a two-way masterclass from Embiid, especially after Toronto’s lead spiked to 17 early in the second quarter. While five points on 2-of-5 shooting and four turnovers in the first half resembles nothing of a two-way masterclass, the superstar center, after intermission, highlighted precisely why he’s been an MVP finalist in consecutive years.