Philadelphia 76ers All-Star Joel Embiid returned in the second half of Saturday's 111-104 first-round playoff loss to the New York Knicks after suffering an apparent knee injury.
Embiid looked to have hurt his surgically repaired knee after landing awkwardly following a highlight-reel self alley-oop dunk with 2:37 left in the second quarter. The reigning MVP limped down the tunnel and didn't return for the remainder of the first half.
Joel Embiid went back to the locker room after an apparent injury. pic.twitter.com/66CZtqG9z3
— ESPN (@espn) April 20, 2024
In 37 minutes, the reigning MVP recorded 29 points on 8-of-22 shooting from the field, making 11 free throws in the contest. He also added eight rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
76ers head coach Nick Nurse said there are no plans to shut down Embiid, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
"I don't think so. He's really a warrior and he's battling. I think he absolutely wants to play."
The Knicks dominated the offensive glass, bringing down 23 rebounds to the Sixers' nine.
Embiid missed 43 games this campaign due to various lower body injuries, including a two-month absence after tearing his meniscus in January.
Game 2 of the opening round series will take place Monday in New York.
