Joel Embiid praised the Philadelphia 76ers’ defensive performance and emphasized the team’s potential after they opened the 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 center said the team’s defensive improvement after the break was an encouraging sign, but stressed that the 76ers remain a work in progress.
“We so far away from what we could be,” Embiid said. “I mean, starting, we made [progress] defensively, offensively just getting back to myself. So, you know, I feel like tonight we wish he was really the only guy that could, you know, have some offense going. And, you know, if we can all put it together at the same time and play defense that way…”
Embiid also spoke about his own defensive ambitions, saying his performance could have a significant impact on Philadelphia’s ceiling.
“I think this show is going to be an all-defense, all-back-to-all-defensive team like in the past,” he said. “So, felt good. Yeah, moving great. You know, I was all over the place. So, I need to do better.”
The center acknowledged that he still has room to improve offensively as he works his way back into rhythm. Rather than relying heavily on his jump shot, Embiid said he focused on making the right decisions against New York’s defense.
“For me, it’s always been about making the right play over and over and over,” Embiid said. “So whatever, taking whatever the defense gives me, especially early on, you know, as you get first game, shot is not usually the last point that comes in as I get back into it.”
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Philadelphia faced a late challenge when the Knicks cut the deficit to 96-95 in the fourth quarter. Embiid responded with a crucial three-pointer, helping the 76ers preserve their lead.
He said staying composed and trusting the work done in practice helped the team close out the game.
“Stay calm. Kept running, trusting what, you know, we did the last two or three weeks,” Embiid said.
Embiid also credited Tyrese Maxey for keeping Philadelphia’s offense moving when other players struggled to find their shots. Maxey led the 76ers with 28 points, while Anfernee Simons scored 13 points off the bench.
“He was great. Obviously, we needed [him],” Embiid said of Maxey. “Just keeping us afloat offensively while, you know, me, I didn’t have it going and, you know, some of the other guys.”
Philadelphia will host Cleveland on Thursday as Embiid and his teammates continue working to develop their chemistry.
