A double-digit win over the Brooklyn Nets goes a long way.
Apparently.
Following the Philadelphia 76ers’ 105-95 victory over the Nets on Sunday, Rookie of the Year favorite Joel Embiid set a lofty goal for his team, per the Associated Press’ Brian Mahoney:
Embiid has looked at the standings and seen the 76ers are eight games back of eighth place in the Eastern Conference, and believes that should be a goal.
“I think we have a chance. We’ve been hot lately,” he said. “We’ve won three out of four lately, so I look at it and I think we have a chance and we’re really figuring things out. We’re starting to learn how to win games.”
So, yeah, the Philadelphia 76ers aren’t going to make the playoffs. Sure, they technically, as in mathematically, have a chance. But it’s not going to happen. They are 4-6 over their last 10, which, by their stands, is considered “hot.”
Still, you have to appreciate Embiid’s competitive drive. For that matter, you have to appreciate the impact his play has on the Sixers.
According to NBA.com, Philly is being outscored by 0.7 points per 100 possessions with Embiid in the game. It’s an unimpressive net rating in the grand scheme of things, but one that would put the Sixers in borderline playoff territory if they sustained it for an entire season.
That’s a silver lining around which the Sixers can rebuild. But it’s also one that proves Embiid is getting ahead of himself by talking about a postseason berth.
