Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) exits the court after the game against the Boston Celtics in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden.
Apr 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) exits the court after the game against the Boston Celtics in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
NBA

‘Sixers Not Done Yet’ — NBA World Reacts to Joel Embiid’s ‘Vintage’ Game 5 Performance After Playing Through Knee Injury

Joel Embiid battled through a mid-game knee injury to score 33 points and force a Game 6 against the Boston Celtics.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has had trouble staying healthy throughout his NBA career. Once again, the injury bug hit Embiid on Tuesday night in Game 5 of the NBA Eastern Conference first-round series against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden.

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How the NBA World Reacted to Joel Embiid’s Game 5 Performance

However, after exiting the game in the third quarter with a knee injury, Embiid didn’t stay on the sidelines. In fact, he returned and went on to score a game-high 33 points as the 76ers defeated the Celtics 113-97, cutting Boston’s series lead to 3-2.

For someone in his second game back after undergoing an emergency appendectomy, Embiid showed a level of toughness that earned a lot of praise around the NBA world.

Fullcourtpass on X shared a video of Embiid getting injured with less than 5 minutes remaining in the third quarter.

One influencer posted on X after watching Embiid’s game, “Vintage Embiid with 31.”

ESPN’s account on X showcased a stellar tough turnaround jumper just near the free-throw lane. “EMBIID TOUGH TURNAROUND ON THE CELTICS. Sixers not done yet.”

Another influencer called out Embiid surviving some health issues beyond his knee injury: “Embiid with a bum knee and torn stomach turning in a classic.”

Austin Krell, publisher of Sixers on SI, pointed out how Embiid stood out in a clutch game, writing, “One of the best halves of playoff basketball in Embiid’s career in a do-or-die situation. Sixers not even close to out of the woods but they have a real chance here.”

Jon Krawczynski, who is a senior writer covering the Minnesota Timberwolves and the NBA for The Athletic, posted on X, “Man this is impressive from Embiid.”

Legion Hoops highlighted an impressive move from Embiid and his shot near the free-throw line against the Celtics.

“JOEL EMBIID DREAM SHAKE ON QUETA. 33 POINTS. HE’S COOKING.”

Another influencer commented on Embiid’s game: “Joel Embiid, man. This is special.”

Hoop Central’s account on X offered a complete breakdown of just what Embiid did on the TD Garden court: “JOEL EMBIID TONIGHT: … 33 POINTS … 8 ASSISTS … 4 REBOUNDS … 12/23 FGM … 39 MINUTES … PLAYING THROUGH THE PAIN – SPECIAL.”

Legion Hoops offered another full breakdown of what Embiid contributed to the 76ers’ effort on Tuesday night: “Joel Embiid is still one of the best players on the planet when healthy: 33 PTS … 8 AST … 12/23 FG … 39 MIN … Dominant performance to keep the Sixers alive.”

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Tyrese Maxey had 25 points and 10 rebounds, and Paul George added 16 points as the 76ers forced a Game 6 on Thursday night back in Philadelphia.

For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum poured in 24 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Jaylen Brown ended the night with 22 points.

Joe Rutland
Written by Joe Rutland

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