Embiid's leap, risking everything

In the final moments of the game, the Hornets trailed by 3 points. LaMelo passed to Miller, who had a three-point opportunity in the corner. Miller caught and shot immediately, completely unaware that Embiid had already executed a swift turnaround and was rapidly closing in on him.

Miller quickly released his three-point attempt. Prior to this shot, he had made 5 out of 10 three-pointers. With Conley's shooting cold and LaMelo struggling immensely, Miller was the Hornets' most accurate shooter from beyond the arc. However, this time, he didn't even complete the shot.

Embiid leaped high, extending his 7-foot-5 wingspan to the limit and fiercely swatted away Miller's three-pointer. Upon seeing this, my initial reaction wasn't about how impressive Embiid was, but rather: Is Embiid risking his life? Without exaggeration, this leap involved Embiid gambling against all possible consequences.

This type of three-point block is a signature move for Victor Wembanyama. But for a heavyweight center like Embiid, especially one with a fragile body who has undergone numerous surgeries on both legs, such a reckless jump, flying toward the sideline seats, makes the landing unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

If this had happened on the Cavaliers' court, Embiid would likely have been injured. Even today, Embiid noticeably stumbled upon landing, with his entire body weight bearing down on his right knee. Seeing this replay was truly alarming.

Fortunately, Embiid only stumbled briefly, then glared fiercely at Miller. Thanks to George's go-ahead three-pointer in the final moments, Maxey's foul-drawing play, and Embiid's flying block, the 76ers secured this crucial positioning battle.

This also marked the reunion of the 76ers' trio, coming together again after two months. The last time all three were on the court together was on January 30th against the Kings. During this period, Maxey suffered a tendon injury in his right pinky finger, George was suspended for 25 games due to medication issues, and Embiid strained his left oblique abdominal muscle.

Today, Embiid scored 14 points in the first quarter, Maxey added 13 points in the second quarter and led the team's comeback charge in the final period, while George delivered steady output throughout all four quarters, shining on both offense and defense with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 steals.

This represents the 76ers' preferred winning formula: all three players contributing, with shot distribution being fairly balanced. The Hornets twice extended the lead to double digits, but the 76ers twice rallied back and ultimately won the game. The Hornets are no weak team now, so this victory carries significant weight for the 76ers.

Today, Embiid posted 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists. In his return game against the Bulls last time, he played 28 minutes and recorded 35 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. That dominant big man with unstoppable offensive touch is back. As always, whenever he's on the court, Embiid's impact on offense is immense.

Since December 8th, in every game Embiid has played, his scoring has never dropped below 20 points. His individual condition has continuously improved throughout the season. His season debut yielded only 4 points and 6 rebounds. In November, he averaged 22.3 points; in December, 25.9 points; and by January, he averaged 29.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists with a shooting percentage of 53.7%.

So far this season, Embiid has played 35 games, averaging 31.2 minutes per game with 26.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.1 blocks, shooting 49.8% from the field and 34% from three-point range. Regardless of his game count, these stats are still All-NBA caliber. Although he hasn't played many games this season, fortunately, his two crucial knees have remained healthy.

Some say he plays like a 7-foot point guard on the perimeter, some mock his shifting allegiances, and others claim he won't play many more games in his career. But few would say Embiid is a poor player. He possesses historically elite offensive talent. His defense has declined significantly, yet in critical moments, he can still leap as he did today.

Compared to the young Hornets squad, the 76ers appear more like a team capable of disrupting the lower half of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. They possess the highest ceiling among those lower-tier teams, with a young backcourt of Maxey and VJ, George gradually regaining form, and an Embiid filled with desire to return to the playoffs.

The playoffs are always a stage for stars, and the 76ers offer fans ample imagination. Of course, the prerequisite for all this is maintaining health.