“He’s Not Gonna Make It”: Feared for Joel Embiid’s Life, Knicks Duo Left in Awe of 76ers Star’s Unyielding Grit

The Philadelphia 76ers’ campaign this year didn’t end with desired results. The New York Knicks defeated them in round 1 of the playoffs with a series scoreline of 4-2. Joel Embiid, their star player, was struggling with an injury throughout the series, but a moment from the game vs. the Knicks at Madison Square Garden has left a long-lasting effect on his opponents.

In a recent episode of The Roommates show on YouTube, featuring New York’s Josh Hart and Jalen Brunson, the duo reminisced about a play from the Sixers-Knicks series, highlighting Embiid’s determination.

Respecting the grind: Embiid’s dunk and injury

Joel Embiid went for a monstrous dunk attempt at Madison Square Garden in Game 1 vs the Knicks, a play that left everyone holding their breath. Scoring a dunk, Embiid suffered an injury as he fell to the ground, wide-eyed and holding his knee. Just returning from an injury, the instance proved scary as he was rushed off the court.

Josh Hart recalled the moment as the crew discussed playoff dunks to start off the show. “I mean, we went six games…I looked at first, I was like oh he’s not going to make it this whole series…” The words speak of the severity and the resilience it would have demanded, considering, everyone thought he would miss the series. The crowd had also gone silent in the Garden. But the power forward returned to play 6 games, leaving the spectators in awe.