76ers’ Joel Embiid Opens Up About Surprising Health Challenge

Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid achieved a remarkable feat by scoring an NBA playoff career-high 50 points, leading his team to a 125-114 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 3. His performance was particularly heroic as he battled through the effects of Bell’s palsy, which has impacted the left side of his face.

“I think it started a day or two before the Miami game [in the play-in tournament], and I had bad migraines and thought it was nothing,” Embiid explained. The condition has presented significant challenges, affecting his vision and necessitating constant care to prevent his eye from drying out.

“But I’m not a quitter, so gotta keep fighting. But yeah, it’s unfortunate. That’s the way I look at it. But it’s not an excuse. Gotta keep pushing,” Embiid declared, refusing to let his condition hinder his postseason ambitions.

Embiid’s determination shone through during the game, particularly in a standout third quarter where he scored 18 points on 7-8 shooting, including a perfect 4-4 from beyond the arc. This was a record-setting performance for him, as he had never made more than three three-pointers in a playoff game before.

“Just playing basketball,” said Embiid about his third-quarter surge. “Like I said, I got lucky I made a few shots. But, you know, gotta keep taking them, pressure or not. Gotta keep trusting myself, especially because the physical abilities are somewhat limited. Gotta keep trusting myself since I made some, but I can’t rely on those. I gotta keep pushing myself to put myself in better situations to succeed.”

In addition to the facial paralysis, Embiid is also navigating a knee recovery after surgery in February. Despite these challenges, he remains focused on his performance and contribution to his team.

“No,” Embiid responded when asked if he trusts his knee yet. “I’m just trying to keep pushing. Like I said, I’m not going to quit. Even if it’s on one leg, I’m still going to go out there and try. But no, that’s not an excuse. Gotta keep playing better and better and better. Tonight I got lucky. I made a few shots. Gotta find a way to rebound, and I don’t even care about rebounds. I just gotta make sure that my man doesn’t get it, and then box out my man and take him out of the play.”

On Thursday night, Embiid achieved playoff career bests in points, making five 3-pointers and 19 free throws. He became the first player in NBA history to score at least 50 points in a playoff game with fewer than 20 shots, matching the second-lowest shot total for a 50-point game in league history, a record set by Adrian Dantley in 1980 with 17 shots. Embiid successfully made 19 out of 21 free throws.