In their brief stint without Joel Embiid to end the season, the Philadelphia 76ers were a good team. They won eight straight without him, then proceeded to win their first playoff game as the big fella watched from the sidelines and clowned trampoline dunkers.
Still, Game 2 gave the Sixers — and fans — a taste of reality. Despite the extended win streak, the Sixers were still a flawed team whenever Embiid was off the floor. Their defense dropped off and the halfcourt offense struggled at times. They needed Embiid back.
And, now that he’s back, we’ve been thoroughly reminded of Embiid’s unique talent.