Caption: Joel Embiid had the perfect response after leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a huge Game 7 win over the Boston Celtics.
Following Philly’s 109-100 victory, Embiid didn’t forget earlier comments from Payton Pritchard and made sure to send a savage message back.
The Sixers superstar dominated the elimination game with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, taking full control after Boston entered shorthanded without Jayson Tatum.
But after the final buzzer, Embiid reminded everyone that Pritchard once said the Celtics were not concerned whether he played or not earlier in the series.
Embiid said seeing Boston not fully prepared for him actually helped him have a better game, sarcastically thanking Pritchard for the motivation.
Fans immediately reacted online, calling it classic Embiid confidence and the perfect revenge after hearing the earlier disrespect.
Earlier in the series, Pritchard suggested Embiid’s return only caused minor adjustments for Boston. That comment clearly stayed with the 76ers center, who used it as fuel in the biggest game of the season.
Now Philadelphia moves on to face the New York Knicks in Round 2, but Embiid already has another message. He urged Sixers fans not to sell their tickets to Knicks supporters.
reminding everyone how New York fans previously took over their arena. He even joked that if fans needed money, he would help them keep the seats.
With Embiid healthy, motivated, and talking big, the Sixers suddenly look like one of the most dangerous teams left in the playoffs.