Joel Embiid described the Philadelphia 76ers’ 114-106 comeback victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers as one of the most memorable nights of his career in Philadelphia after the team erased a 29-point deficit in its home opener on Thursday.
“Tonight was different,” Embiid said after the game. “That was probably top five night for me since I’ve been in Philadelphia.”
The center later called it a top-three night, praising the fans for supporting the team after Philadelphia fell behind by 29 points. The crowd initially booed the Sixers, but the atmosphere changed as they fought their way back into the game.
“I mean, I have no words. That was amazing,” Embiid said. “We got a few boos, but then again, that came right back up to support us.”
Philadelphia outscored Cleveland 69-37 in the second half, including 32-16 in the fourth quarter. Embiid finished with 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting, seven rebounds and one assist, while Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers with 32 points and six assists.
Embiid credited improved ball security and defensive intensity for the turnaround after Philadelphia committed 14 turnovers in the first half.
“Taking care of the ball. That was one. And two, just be a little bit more aggressive on defense,” he said. “That’s what we did.”
The Sixers produced their decisive run by attacking the basket and getting stops rather than relying on three-point shooting. They made just seven three-pointers on 28 attempts in the game.
“I think we probably only made three or four threes in that run,” Embiid said. “It was all putting our heads down, getting stops, getting to the rim.”
The comeback also gave Embiid an opportunity to discuss the team’s chemistry and his developing rhythm after missing significant time through injuries. He admitted he was still rediscovering his comfort on the court.
“It almost feels like I haven’t been healthy in so long that I forgot how to play basketball and where I’m extremely successful on the floor,” Embiid said.
He also praised James Harden, his former Philadelphia teammate now playing for Cleveland, describing their relationship positively despite the tension between Harden and Maxey during the game.
“Me and James were great. We talked all night,” Embiid said. “He’s one of the best players, probably top three player I’ve ever played with.”
Embiid also highlighted Maxey’s defensive development, particularly his full-court pressure, and backed his teammate’s potential to become an elite shooter.
“I told him before the season, I think he should be a 50, 40, 90 guy,” Embiid said, referring to shooting percentages from the field, three-point range and the free-throw line.
Despite the comeback, Embiid said Philadelphia must avoid falling into such a deep hole again. He pointed to the energy required to recover from a 29-point deficit and stressed the importance of staying healthy and continuing to build chemistry.
The 76ers improved to 2-0 with the win and will continue their home stand against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday before facing the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. Embiid confirmed he would play in only one of the two games, leaving the final decision to the team’s medical staff.
