NBA Playoffs Joel Embiid fantastic near far Sixers beat Knicks

Joel Embiid's 50-point performance leads the 76ers to a Game 3 victory over the Knicks in the first-round series.

The Philadelphia 76ers are facing a tough challenge as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference against the New York Knicks in the 2023-24 season. Despite injuries and roster changes, the 76ers are considered the underdog in this first-round series for several reasons.

The series started with the Knicks dominating the first five halves of basketball. It seemed like the Knicks were the stronger team, and the 76ers needed a breakthrough. In Game 3, Joel Embiid became the game-changer. He scored 50 points, hitting four 3-pointers in the third quarter alone. Embiid's performance was outstanding, with 13-for-19 shooting, 5-for-7 from beyond the arc, and 19-for-21 from the line. His aggressive play and decisive decision-making led the 76ers to a 125-114 victory.

Embiid's 50-point game was a playoff career-high for him and only the fourth time a 76ers player has scored as much in a playoff game. The team rallied around Embiid, with Tyrese Maxey contributing 25 points and seven assists. The bench also stepped up, with Cameron Payne scoring 11 points and Kelly Oubre Jr. adding 15. Despite a strong performance from the Knicks, the 76ers managed to secure the win.

The game was physical, with multiple fouls and controversies. Both teams displayed intensity, and the referees had to review several plays. Embiid and Lowry were involved in flagrant fouls, adding to the tension on the court. The big men, including Hartenstein and Robinson, faced foul trouble early on, affecting the flow of the game.

In the end, the 76ers emerged victorious, thanks to Embiid's stellar performance and the team's overall resilience. The series is far from over, but the 76ers have shown that they can compete against the odds and come out on top. With strong contributions from key players and a determined effort, the 76ers have set the stage for an exciting playoff series against the Knicks.