Embiid leads in return 76ers to comeback victory vs. Thunder

Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid returned to the court for the 1^st time since the end of January and hit clutch free throws down in the final seconds of the match to lead his team to a 109-105 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The center, who has been out after left meniscus surgery, notched 24 points and had 6 boards and 7 assists for almost 30 minutes on the court. Embiid notched 8 of Philadelphia’s last 15 points to secure the comeback triumph.

that was fun. 😁 @cryptocom pic.twitter.com/GQY7Ebmm4y

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 3, 2024

Philly won without Joel’s star running mate, Tyrese Maxey, who missed his 2^nd consecutive match with a left hip problem. Oklahoma City was without stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams.

Joel was playing at an MVP level before being sidelined with an injury, leading the NBA in scoring with over 35 points per match to go along with over 11 boards and almost 6 assists.

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The center was congratulated by Hall of Famer Allen Iverson after the match.

two of Philly’s finest. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/GByTkBxr5o

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) April 3, 2024

Chet Holmgren notched 22 points to lead OKC, who are in a tight race with the Timberwolves and the Nuggets for the 1^st place in the West.

Oklahoma City will face Celtics in Boston tomorrow, while Philadelphia will play against the Heat in Miami on Thursday.