Philadelphia 76ers' star center Joel Embiid made a dramatic return for the start of the second half in Game 1 of their first-round series against the New York Knicks after a concerning moment in the second quarter.
Embiid, who had previously undergone surgery on his left knee after tearing his meniscus earlier in the season, appeared to reinjure the same knee during a powerful dunk attempt. With just over two minutes remaining in the second quarter, Embiid executed a spectacular self-pass off the backboard, finishing with a thunderous slam. However, upon landing, he immediately clutched his left knee in pain and fell to the court.
Following the play, the 76ers' medical staff rushed to assist Embiid, who was eventually helped back up and escorted to the locker room area. Despite missing the remainder of the first half, Embiid displayed remarkable resilience by returning to the court to start the second half.
Embiid's injury history has been a cause for concern throughout the season, with the All-Star center battling ongoing knee issues. His status for Game 1 was uncertain, as he was listed as questionable leading up to the matchup and had to be cleared after completing his pre-game workout.
The 76ers will closely monitor Embiid's condition as they navigate through the playoffs, with his health playing a crucial role in their postseason aspirations. Embiid's ability to bounce back from setbacks and continue contributing at a high level underscores his determination and commitment to his team's success.
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