Joel Embiid out-dueled Giannis in an instant classic between the Bucks and Sixers
Embiid and Giannis gave us all an early playoff preview.
Sometimes, we can be quite fortunate with how timelines overlap, especially when the stars align. I’m not talking about those in the sky either.
Joel Embiid is in the NBA and at the peak of his powers as one of the more dominant and freakishly athletic big men that basketball has ever seen. Giannis Antekounmpo is in the NBA and at the peak of his powers as one of the more dominant and freakishly athletic big men that basketball has ever seen. And they’re in the NBA at the same time.
On Thursday night, these two superstars — respective cornerstones of the 76ers and Bucks (-6.5) — squared off in one last battle in Milwaukee before the All-Star break. It might have even been an Eastern Conference Finals preview.
Did I mention timelines and how lucky we are? You only get to see a shooting star now and then, let alone two at once.
Unfortunately for Giannis and the Bucks, a sublime performance from Embiid was just enough to cut down the defending champs, 123-120, in a game that felt every bit like a playoff matchup.
In case it wasn’t clear: Embiid is undoubtedly ready for the postseason.
The 40-burger is Embiid’s fourth outing with at least 40 points in the approximate last month. We’re witnessing unquestionably one of the greatest seasons by a center unfolding night by night.
But Giannis wouldn’t go quietly. He never does. And boy, isn’t it scary when he can also shoot threes like it’s something that’s always been a part of his repertoire?
32 points. 11 rebounds. Nine assists. A February near-triple-double gem worthy of June in every sense. A man at the helm of the defending champion turning it to overdrive. It wasn’t enough to topple Embiid Tower, but my goodness — what a response from superstar to superstar.
These two teams will meet again in the playoffs if fate should have it. And really, we’ll be looking for yet another heavyweight fight between two of the faces of the league.
Embiid. Giannis: May this timeline never end, and may we see two more shooting stars very soon.
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