Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers closed out their road trip with a bang.
On the road in New York City, the Sixers took down the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden with a convincing victory.
Embiid, who continues to silence his critics as he starts to gain a rhythm, took a friendly jab at the NY faithful on Saturday night after the game.
“I love being here. It’s my favorite place in the entire world, New York,” Embiid told reporters, according to Adam Aaronson of the Philly Voice.
“I live here sometimes, so it’s always good to be here. Talked back to the fans. They were quiet today. But I guess that’s what happens when you’re losing — the whole game.”
The Sixers were in control of the matchup against their Atlantic Division rival from start to finish. Embiid checked in for 33 minutes and shot 9-15 from the field and 8-12 from the free throw line.
The superstar center contributed 26 points. He racked up a double-double by adding 10 rebounds and passing out five assists to go with his line.
Coming off his tough season, which included just 19 appearances before a season-ending surgery, Embiid has had to take his time working his way back. It hasn’t been a flawless return to form.
Although Embiid played in four of the Sixers’ first five games this year, he missed most of November with knee-related complications. At that point, he still didn’t manage to shake off the minutes restriction.
Since December 7, Embiid has missed just three games. He checked in for over 30 minutes in each of those outings. The big man started the new year off with a 22-point showing against the Dallas Mavericks. He adds a double-double to the mix as the Sixers collected their third win in a row.
They’ll get Sunday off before returning to the court on Monday to host the Denver Nuggets.