Champions have pride. Joel Embiid showed it last night. The Cameroonian pivot was imperial in the Sixers' victory in Toronto. A performance that will allow him to forget his disappointments in the 2019 play-offs.
The NBA playoffs often offer up a lot of twists and turns. But the matchup between Philadelphia and Toronto seems to be a departure from that rule. The Sixers won again last night. After two wins at home, Joel Embiid's teammates won 104-101 on the road. The Cameroonian once again stepped on his opponents. Embiid finished the game with 33 points and 16 rebounds (12 of 20 shooting). Philadelphia now leads 3-0 in the series.
This Game 3 was a far cry from the first two. The Raptors showed their teeth this time. If Pascal Siakam was discreet (12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists), his sidekick OG Anunoby was in great form. Decisive since his return from injury, the Nigerian showed his talent again with 26 points. The 24-year-old winger also grabbed 5 rebounds and dished out 4 assists in this game. He even made Joel Embiid's teammates doubt until the end. Anunoby brought his team back to even with 26 seconds left (101 all).
The Raptors thought they had the overtime. But sometimes knife-edge games are decided by nothing, or by an individual feat. This was the case for Joel Embiid. The Cameroonian pivot putout the air conditioner in the Scotiabank Arena. His buzzer-beater three-pointer gave his team the win. The last time Joel Embiid walked on this floor in the play-offs, in 2019, he left in tears after being eliminated at the last second on an improbable shot by Kawhi Leonard. Now, he leaves as a Sixers hero. The rematch is on. Game 4 comes up this Saturday.
JOEL WINS IT FOR THE SIXERS FROM DEEP IN OT!#NBAPlayoffs presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/gYFaKf6GY9
— NBA (@NBA) April 21, 2022
Giannis and the Bucks surprised
Giannis Antetokounmpo had a completely different night. Milwaukee lost on its floor against Chicago (110-114). The Greek Freak had 33 points, 18 rebounds and 9 assists. However, the Bulls were able to respond, thanks in particular to Demar Derozan. The latter finished the game with 41 points. Chicago is now back in the play-offs. The two teams are now tied (1-1).
In the other clash of the evening, Boston again got the better of Brooklyn. The team coached by the American-Nigerian Ime Udoka won 114-107. The Celtics lead 2-0.
