No worse than No. 2 in post-up points per game in every season of his illustrious nine-year run, Joel Embiid wouldn’t run into argument in saying that competition simply can’t be seen once he enters a back-to-basket position. That phrase took on a literal meaning, as he found 6-foot-2 Kyrie Irving attempting to contain his low-post repertoire during February 4, 2025’s biggest possession. Wide-eyed immediately upon recognizing the fruitful matchup and 10-inch height advantage, Embiid — likely aware of the Dallas Mavericks’ soon-to-arrive help defenders before fully collecting the entry pass — offsets any could-be chaos by quickly pivoting baseline. Home free, and fittingly prepared to send the Philadelphia 76ers’ home crowd into a celebratory rave, Embiid banks in what ultimately becomes the game-clinching basket with 22 seconds remaining. The return of their All-Star after a 15-game absence proved to be just the boon Philadelphia needed, as they outgunned last season’s NBA Finals runner-up in a statement victory. Unbothered by any potential rust, Embiid registered a triple-double, recording 29 points (on 12-of-23 shooting), accompanied by 11 rebounds, 10 assists, one steal, and a 3-pointer. · Feb 5, 2025