The word came down at 8:26 p.m., just before the start of the third quarter. That’s when the Philadelphia 76ers announced that All-Star center Joel Embiid would not return with right knee soreness, when the Wizards’ playoff hopes came back to life.
No team would, or should, ever hope for an injury, but this was the Wizards’ chance: Take advantage or go home.
They pounced. The Wizards rallied in Embiid’s absence, forcing a Game 5 with a 122-114 win at Capital One Arena. Washington now trails the best-of-seven series 3-1, but the victory shifts the round back to Philadelphia on Wednesday.