3 Observations After Embiid Makes Rusty Return, Sixers Fall to Knicks

Key Points

* Embiid's return was a mixed bag, showcasing both flashes of brilliance and signs of rust. * The Knicks' defense was impressive, limiting Embiid's impact in the paint. * The Sixers' bench depth needs to improve to provide more support to their stars.

Embiid's Return: A Glimmer of Hope and Some Kinks

After missing 10 games due to a left foot contusion, Joel Embiid made his much-anticipated return to the court on Friday night against the New York Knicks. The reigning scoring champion looked rusty at times, but also showed glimpses of the dominant force he can be. Embiid finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, but his efficiency was not as sharp as usual. He shot just 8-of-20 from the field and 4-of-10 from the free throw line.

Knicks' Defense: Limiting Embiid's Impact

The Knicks' defense deserves credit for limiting Embiid's impact in the paint. They double-teamed him relentlessly and forced him to take difficult shots. Embiid was able to create some scoring opportunities for his teammates, but he was not able to consistently impose his will on the game. The Knicks also did a good job of containing Embiid on the glass, holding him to just 10 rebounds.

Sixers' Bench Depth: A Cause for Concern

The Sixers' bench depth was a major concern in this game. Georges Niang, Furkan Korkmaz, and Jaden Springer combined for just 13 points on 5-of-18 shooting. The lack of production from the bench put a lot of pressure on Embiid and James Harden to carry the scoring load. The Sixers need to find a way to get more consistent production from their bench if they want to be a contender in the Eastern Conference.

Conclusion

The Sixers' loss to the Knicks was a disappointing start to Embiid's return. However, there were some positive signs that the team can build on. Embiid showed that he is still a force to be reckoned with, and the Knicks' defense provides a blueprint for how to limit his impact. The Sixers need to improve their bench depth and find a way to get more consistent production from their role players. If they can do that, they will be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.