Joel Embiid embraces Allen Iverson after helping Sixers snatch a 108-105 victory over the Thunder… as NBA MVP makes winning return in first appearance for over two months
- Embiid had 24 points, six rebounds and seven assists in the win for Philadelphia
- The 30-year-old made his return to the court after a meniscus injury
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Philadelphia 76ers legends past and present came together Tuesday night as Allen Iverson congratulated Joel Embiid on his successful return to the court.
Embiid, the reigning NBA MVP, helped the Sixers post a 108-105 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in his first appearance in more than two months after recovering from a meniscus injury.
And after marking his comeback with a win, the Philadelphia All-Star center shared a warm hug with Iverson courtside.
At the end of the game, Embiid was seen making his way to the Sixers icon, who jumped out of his seat to show his appreciation for his successor at Wells Fargo Center.
The pair then enjoyed a handshake before going their separate ways, with Iverson likely impressed by what he saw that evening.
Joel Embiid hugged 76ers legend Allen Iverson after a winning return to the court
The Philadelphia icons past and present shared a warm moment after their win
Embiid helped the Sixers defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder in his first appearance since January 30
Embiid was on hand with 24 points, six rebounds and seven assists in his long-awaited return, while also firing the hosts ahead in the final 40 seconds of the game.
The Sixers trailed by 11 points with 7:27 remaining before going on a torrid run. Kelly Oubre Jr. hit a 3 that sparked the comeback, and Embiid capped it off with a series of free throws.
He then hit two for a 106-105 lead and added two more to make it 108-105. The 30-year-old made all twelve foul shots that night.
Embiid sat exhausted on the scorer’s table as the final seconds ticked down before he strolled toward Iverson.
After damaging his meniscus on January 30 in Golden State, he underwent meniscus surgery on his left knee a week later, and the Sixers crashed out of the East standings without him. They are currently eighth, 1 1/2 games behind Miami.
With a healthy Embiid, the 76ers at least have a better chance of winning a series or two in the playoffs.
“He changes them significantly,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “They play very differently stylistically when he’s around where they’ve been the last 30 games, where he’s been out. If he plays it will definitely change their approach.”