Joel Embiid praised the Philadelphia 76ers' defensive performance after they opened the new season with a 106-100 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday. Embiid finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and three blocks as Philadelphia overcame a four-point halftime deficit at Madison Square Garden.
The Cameroon centre said the team's defensive improvement after the break was an encouraging sign, but stressed that the 76ers remain a work in progress. "We [are] so far away from what we could be," Embiid said. "Starting, we made [progress] defensively, offensively just getting back to myself."
Embiid pointed to his own defensive ambitions, suggesting his impact can lift Philadelphia's ceiling. "I think this show is going to be an all-defensive team like in the past," he said. "I was all over the place. So, I need to do better." He added that he is focused on making the right decisions rather than forcing his jump shot. "For me, it's always been about making the right play over and over and over. Taking whatever the defense gives me, especially early on."
Philadelphia faced a late scare when the Knicks cut the deficit to 96-95 in the fourth quarter, but Embiid answered with a crucial three-pointer to steady the visitors. He credited composure and the work of recent weeks for the finish. "Stay calm. Kept running, trusting what we did the last two or three weeks."
Embiid also singled out Tyrese Maxey, who led the 76ers with 28 points, saying his backcourt partner kept the offence afloat while others, including himself, struggled. Anfernee Simons added 13 points off the bench. Philadelphia host Cleveland on Thursday as Embiid and his teammates continue to build chemistry.
