Embiid’s long-awaited comeback does not save the Sixers

He missed six games due to injury and three due to suspension. Embiid to start the season. Without the Cameroonian giant who now plays for the USA and the injuries first of Paul George and then of Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers signed a terrifying start to the campaign that this Tuesday had a new episode to leave its balance in a creepy 2-8.

Embiid did not give a good feeling in his debut. Very far from its best shape and with an evident lack of running-in -he had not played since the Paris 2024 Olympic final-, the interior ended with 13 points (2 of 11 on field goals, 8 of 8 from the line), 3 rebounds, 5 assists and a block in 26 minutes.

Paul George did respond

george yes he responded with 29 points and 10 rebounds but the Sixers, still without Maxey and below 40% in field goals, they deflated in the fourth quarter with a partial 24-33. As for the Knicks (5-5), the Dominican Karl-Anthony Towns grew against Embiid with 21 points, 13 rebounds and some fantastic passes until reaching 6 assists.

Josh Hart achieved a triple-double of 14 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists, Jalen Brunson went from less to more until finishing with 18 points and OG Anunoby He rose with 24 points and 6 rebounds among the Knicks with six players above 10 points and with 49.4% in basket attempts.

Embiid, without rhythm

Embiid lasted only five minutes in his first appearance on the court. Out of rhythm and without spark in attackthe center also had a lot of problems going out to defend Towns, who played with him as he wanted until adding 8 of the Knicks’ first 10 points.

Luckily for Philadelphia, George started the game very inspired and, with 11 points, the recently arrived forward from the Clippers, The locals maintained their style in the first quarter (25-27). Embiid didn’t wake up in the second period either, but at least The Sixers had the consolation that Brunsonwho has not started the course well, it didn’t carbure either on the Knicks.

Suffering from triple

The two teams They suffered in the triples with 5 of 18 for the Sixers and 5 of 19 for the Knicks. And the second half brought worrying news for the Knicks since Brunson sprained his right ankle when only a few seconds had been disputed. The point guard went to the locker room but luckily could return before the third quarter ended.

Anunobyespecially active in attack, offered alternatives for those of Tom Thibodeau while Embiid He finally scored his first shot – a three-pointer – after five failed attempts in a row. The game, at least by sensations, was gradually leaning towards the visitors although The final blow did not come until the last period after 75-78 with which the third chapter ended.

In a duel of such small margins, A partial 0-11 start in the last quarter was a stab to the heart of Nick Nurse’s team. With several points of intensity above their rivals, the Knicks saw that it was their opportunity and they all went together: Towns looking like five, brunson forgetting about your ankle discomfort, Anunoby and Hart giving everything for each ball…

The difference reached +15 for the Knicks so the Sixers, without great arguments to mount a comeback, They lowered their heads.