Fansided

Joel Embiid throws down massive slam to start game (Video)

By Joshua Sadlock

Jan 20, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) congratulates Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) after the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers won the game 93-92. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) congratulates Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington (33) after the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Wells Fargo Center. The Sixers won the game 93-92. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Joel Embiid got back to work quickly as the Sixers take on the Rockets.

After missing two games with a hyperextended knee, it took Joel Embiid all of 12 seconds to get back to work throwing down massive slams. After Philadelphia won the tip, point guard T.J. McConnell brought the ball up court and passed off to Embiid in the high post. From there, the big man went to work, blowing past Nene and slamming down a thunderous dunk.

As he returns from the knee injury, Embiid is on a 25-minute limit for tonight’s game. In just over five minutes of action in the first quarter, the rookie center has seven points and has knocked down a 3-pointer. Embiid should fill up the sheet tonight even with reduced minutes due to the weak frontcourt defense of the Rockets. He will also have plenty of motivation to prove that he was a major snub in this year’s All-Star Game.

The Sixers have emerged as one of the surprise teams in the league, winning 10 of their last 13 games. Since starting the year 4-18, they are 13-9 with nine wins in January. Embiid is talking playoffs, and that might not be a stretch. Adding McConnell to the starting lineup has also paid big dividends for the Sixers.

Next: NBA 1980s All-Decade First Team

Trusting The Process is paying off in a big way for the Sixers, who were a mess at the end of last season, winning only 10 games. Embiid is pushing the entire team to a new level. The City of Philadelphia is taking notice, and Embiid is delivering highlights (on the court and on social media) on a nightly basis. When top pick Ben Simmons returns, the Sixers may climb up the standing even faster.