Jael Embiid returned to the 76ers’ starting lineup on Saturday night for the first time since mid-March, and the timing couldn’t have been much better. The four-time All-Star, who was recovering from a knee injury, was able to play against his old friend Karl-Anthony Towns.
Big? No, it does not feel right. Maybe it would be more accurate to describe the Timberwells Center as Ambide’s basketball nemesis.
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A quick refresher: Back in October 2019, Embiid and Town were forced out of a game, which saw big guys hitting them as they fell to the ground. He then traded harsh verbal jabs on social media and each player earned a two-game suspension for his roles in “on-court changes” and for his “continued growth”.
Does this mean that Amby and Town really hate each other? No, probably not, but it makes their matchups intense and entertaining to watch.
In the first part of Saturday’s competition, Town put Embiid on a poster with a one-handed sting, and he told Embiid about it.
Emby later responded by hitting Town with a quick crossover, making contact and finishing off an off-balance shot. He celebrated with a series of crotch chops that would make Triple H and Shawn Michaels proud.
Town had 17 points and eight rebounds through the first 24 minutes of action, while Embiid scored 15 points and seven rebounds.
Two of the NBA’s most talented young stars showing off their skills and mixing in some animosity? Yes, more than that, please.
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