USA Today via Reuters
May 6, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots a foul shot against the Miami Heat during the third quarter in game three of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 6, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots a foul shot against the Miami Heat during the third quarter in game three of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
After an unexpected injury, Joel Embiid seemed like he was going to sit out the playoffs. The Philadelphia 76ers’ championship was on the line, as the team remains heavily reliant on Embiid’s leadership. The Cameroonian star ended up returning for Game 3, ultimately helping beat the Miami Heat in a thrilling 99-79 encounter.
However, a focus of the game was Embiid’s face mask.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Ultimately, he was compared to other players who have sported the same on the court before. The list included LeBron James and late NBA legend Kobe Bryant in focus, making some fans react over the same.
Is Joel Embiid on the same level as LeBron James and Kobe Bryant?
Even though Embiid was compared to a few other players, fans seemed irked. Not only were James and Bryant mentioned, Detroit Pistons Rip Hamilton, then-Cleveland Cavaliers Kyrie Irving and then-OKC Thunder star Russell Westbrook. All these players have drawn attention for wearing a face mask on the court, some more, some less.
Bro Embiid didn’t even do anything last night 😂. These other guys dropped 30+ Embiid had 18 points wtf
— No Limit 🖤🥷🏽 (@NateDaDumbest) May 7, 2022
Embiid and Russ pic.twitter.com/YEUDqDlvJ0
— Jimmy (@PhilMcRevis_) May 7, 2022
Embiid here pic.twitter.com/wTwliuylgp
— Bruhtonium the ll (@Newfazegregpaul) May 7, 2022
No one touches rip. The longevity.
— Brock (@LeoBets1) May 7, 2022
Embiid had 18 points … 10 if he don’t get to the line 😭 why tf he there
— dre 🪬 (@drecorleone_) May 7, 2022
LeBron James and it's not even close
— 2XxX⚡ (@2xgocrazy2) May 7, 2022
While some other comparisons were highlighted, James and Bryant seem to have taken the highlight. As per some users, Embiid did not do much to support the team and did not have the same impact as James or the others. Many pointed out that while he is up there, what he has done and is doing is not even close.
Of course, some Embiid fans supporting him, are happy that his return has also brought along a win for the Sixers.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 27, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts toward the fans after making a 3-point field goal in the first quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Can the Sixers win the NBA 2022 Championship?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As mentioned by fans online, Embiid made a comeback with 18 points and 11 rebounds. The team won 99-79, now one step closer to winning the series. Of course, they still have to even it out, which might not be possible without Embiid. Danny Green and Tyrese Maxey led with 21 points, while Harden scored 17 points.
With at least two more games left, the Sixers might have a shot at winning.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Do you think the 76ers can win the title? Let us know in the comments below.
WATCH THIS STORY: Tiger Woods vs. Shaquille O’Neal 2022 Net Worth Comparison
