Joel Embiid’s Philadelphia 76ers were run off their home floor in Sunday’s must-win Game 4 matchup against the New York Knicks, getting blown out 144-114 amid a historic 3-point onslaught.
With the letdown, the 76ers were swept 4-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinal series, with three of their four defeats coming by double-digit points. Still, Embiid maintained postgame that his team’s season was a “success,” drawing fierce pushback.
Joel Embiid Catches Flak for Optimistic Take On 76ers’ Latest Early Playoff Exit
Embiid and the seventh-seeded 76ers shocked the NBA world after overcoming a 3-1 series deficit to upset the second-seeded Boston Celtics in Round 1. However, their Game 7 road triumph over Boston proved to be their last win of the postseason, as they appeared thoroughly outmatched against the third-seeded Knicks in Round 2.
Facing elimination Sunday, Philadelphia allowed New York to hit an NBA playoff record 11 3s in the first quarter and a postseason record-tying 25 triples for the game.
Meanwhile, the Knicks’ 144 points marked a franchise playoff record as star guard Jalen Brunson and fill-in starter Miles McBride combined for 13 3s alone. That marked more than the 76ers’ entire team, which went just 8-for-35 from deep (22.9%) amid the home embarrassment.
After Philadelphia’s lopsided season-ending defeat, Embiid attempted to spin the early exit in a positive light, referencing his ability to overcome a lingering left knee injury to be available for his squad.
“I know we lost, and I know that’s not the right mentality to have, but for me, this was a success,” Embiid said.
“I came into this year not knowing where I was going to be [health-wise], how long I was going to play, if I was even going to play based on how the knee was the last few years. I came in just hoping for the best, and I feel like we’re in a position where we figured out the knee. It hasn’t been an issue.”
“I know we lost. … But for me, this was a success.”
Although the Sixers got swept, Joel Embiid is grateful to finish the season in good health 💯 pic.twitter.com/h6Lc1em4I9
— ESPN (@espn) May 10, 2026
While Embiid, who also returned from an early April appendectomy midway through the first round, posted 24 points on a perfect 8-for-8 shooting Sunday along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists, the NBA community on X didn’t cut the 2023 MVP any slack.
“I like Joel Embiid as a person and can empathize with what he’s been through physically. That being said, it is remarkably tone deaf and wrong to say this is a success to your fan base after a game and series like that,” Sports Radio 94WIP’s Tom Kelly called out Embiid.
I like Joel Embiid as a person and can empathize with what he’s been through physically. That being said it is remarkably tone deaf and wrong to say this is a success to your fan base after a game and series like that. https://t.co/8bb9Q0llEE
— Tom Kelly (@TommyKelly44) May 10, 2026
“Joel Embiid: Please don’t sell your tickets. Game 4: Standing ovation for KAT in Philly. Postgame: It was a success. Get the f**k out of here,” a 76ers supporter fumed.
Joel Embiid: please don’t sell your tickets
Game 4: Standing ovation for KAT in Philly
Postgame: It was a success
Get the fuck out of here. https://t.co/T4m47xeVKL
— Eytan (@shandershow) May 11, 2026
“Moral victories have always been a big problem with Embiid. It’s not a success unless you holding up a trophy at the end of the year,” another user asserted.
Moral victories have always been a big problem with Embiid. It’s not a success unless you holding up a trophy at the end of the year https://t.co/k9X8jhikck
— Joe Pezz🇵🇷🦅 (@joepezz_) May 10, 2026
“To Joel Embiid, a success is finishing the season healthy and losing 4 straight … Got it,” a Knicks fan quipped.
To Joel Embiid, a success is finishing the season healthy and losing 4 straight …
Got it https://t.co/WzFEd3PpID
— The New Age Bob Page (@NYKnicks365) May 11, 2026
“Round 2 always is a success for Embiid,” another user jested.
Round 2 always is a success for Embiid https://t.co/Ajh3CAIosK
— Brooklyn 🇦🇺 🦌 (@BDMBucks) May 11, 2026
Since being drafted in 2014, Embiid has appeared in 66 career playoff outings, with Philadelphia appearing well-positioned to make a deep run on numerous occasions. Still, the seven-time All-Star has yet to advance beyond the second round, with the 76ers’ last conference finals appearance coming back in 2001.
