Embiid confirms Bell’s palsy diagnosis after stellar game vs Knicks

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid delivered a remarkable performance despite battling the facial condition Bell’s palsy. Facing challenges posed by facial muscle weakness or paralysis, Embiid produced his best-ever postseason display, scoring a career-high 50 points in Philadelphia’s pivotal 125-114 victory over the New York Knicks in Game 3 of their playoff series.

Speaking about his condition, Embiid acknowledged the difficulties he faced, describing the left side of his face, including his mouth and eye, as “pretty annoying.” However, he emphasized his refusal to succumb to adversity, stating, “I’m not a quitter. Got to keep fighting through anything.”

The NBA’s Most Valuable Player in 2023 revealed that he had been grappling with Bell’s palsy since Philadelphia’s win over the Miami Heat on April 17. Despite initially attributing his symptoms to migraines, Embiid eventually sought medical attention, recognizing the need to address his condition.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by Bell’s palsy, Embiid emphasized that it was not an excuse for subpar performance, stressing the importance of persevering despite adversity. Despite visible signs of facial discomfort during the game, Embiid showcased remarkable efficiency, shooting 13 of 19 from the field and an impressive 19 of 21 from the free-throw line.

“It’s been tough but I’m not a quitter… It’s unfortunate… but that’s not an excuse… got to keep pushing”

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Knicks eliminate 76ers after dramatic 118-115 win

— Embiid on playing with Bell’s Palsy pic.twitter.com/DawhVVlvfo

— CBain (@cbain100) April 26, 2024

The victory narrowed the 76ers’ deficit in the Eastern Conference first-round playoffs to 2-1, injecting renewed hope into their postseason campaign. With Game 4 of the best-of-seven series set to take place in Philadelphia on Sunday, Embiid’s resilience serves as an inspiring testament to the power of determination and perseverance in the face of adversity.