Joel Embiid returned in dominant fashion after an extensive absence

Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid returned last night after a lengthy absence and he did not miss a beat.

It took two overtimes, but the Minnesota Timberwolves narrowly put the Philadelphia 76ers away in Joel Embiid’s return after a lengthy absence. It was an exciting contest that featured 10 lead changes and nineties.

Embiid dominated his home court inside the Wells Fargo Center, putting on an absolute show for Philly fans. Embiid scored 42 points, pulled down 14 rebounds, dished three assists, swatted two shots, and his aggressiveness earned his 21 trips to the foul line.

The rest of his teammates attempted only 18 freebies and the entire T-Wolves squad only visited the line 16 times.

It should not get lost in the madness of his stat-line or the double-overtime that Embiid played 45 minutes resting only once in the entire second-half including OT. This would be impressive for any player, but given the circumstances surrounding the Sixers starlet, it was astonishing.

Joel Embiid talks COVID-19 during postgame

After the hard-fought loss, Embiid sat at the podium and talked to reporters after the match. What he said about his battle with the virus was jarring:

"Embiid: “That jawn hit me hard, I really thought I wasn’t going to make it. Uh, it was that bad, I’m just thankful to be sitting here. I really struggled with it.”"

Given the fact that Embiid is a world-class athlete playing professional basketball in the NBA and a breakthrough case hit him this hard is flat-out terrifying. Coincidentally, as fate would have it Embiid faced Karl Anthony-Towns in his first game back.

Towns’ has been one of the most outspoken players in the league about COVID-19 as he lost his mother and several other family members to the virus in 2020. All before contracting Covid himself in January of this year.

Despite being on-court rivals, Towns shared his experience with Embiid before the contest. After the game, Town’s discussed how the matter is much bigger than basketball and he wanted to help his rival in any way he could.

All in all, it was good to see Embiid back on the hardwood. His return is a much-welcomed sight for Doc Rivers and the Sixers as they have gone 2-8 in their last 10 games and are currently sitting at 10-10 on the season and outside the final spot for the play-in in the Eastern Conference. Tobias Harris also returned to the lineup for the Sixers.

Getting two vital bodies back in the line-up should help Philly turn things around. The Sixers are back in action Monday night where they will remain at home taking on the conference worst Orlando Magic.