Basketball, the sport often brings us exciting moments, and Embiid's recent performances have been the subject of much discussion. His performance was undoubtedly the highlight of Philadelphia's battle with the Bulls, but it also revealed some hidden concerns.
Embiid scored 40 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists on an astonishing 15-of-28 shooting, which can be described as single-handedly provoking the entire team. But as the world of basketball goes, the "lone wolf" often struggles to lead the team to ultimate victory. Despite his impressive stats, Philadelphia's record hasn't improved dramatically. This model of relying on a single star also limits the overall development of the team to a certain extent.
In fact, Philadelphia's predicament didn't happen overnight. Harden's departure seems to have become an important turning point in Philadelphia's basketball history. Back then, Harden brought consistent wins to the team with his extraordinary ball skills and understanding of the game. However, management's misjudgment of Harden's value ultimately led to his departure. What they didn't realize was that without Harden's support, Embiid's powerlessness against a formidable opponent would become even more apparent.
Looking back, Harden's performance against the playoffs has also been questioned a lot. But compared to Embiid, Harden has been more consistent in crunch time. In last season's semifinals, Harden's stellar performance was key to Philadelphia's victory. Embiid's outstanding performance in the regular season suffered a significant decline in the playoffs. This contrast in performance has undoubtedly intensified the team's dependence on Harden.
Now, when the game between Philadelphia and the Bulls enters the final quarter, Embiid's fitness and condition have declined significantly. This is not only a test of his personal fitness, but also a big challenge to the team's tactical layout. Vucevic's outstanding performance in this quarter highlighted Embiid's weakness.
The Clippers' high opinion of Harden and the contract they have given him also reflects a recognition of the veteran's value as a player. Clippers owner Ballmer's decision shows his planning and confidence in the team's future. This is in stark contrast to Philadelphia's short-sightedness and stinginess. Philadelphia got what seemed reasonable in trading Harden, but it actually lost even more.
Today, although Embiid's performance is still impressive, the overall strength and strategic layout of the Philadelphia team still seem to be standing still. Basketball, as a team sport, ultimately requires the joint efforts and mutual support of every player. Embiid's outstanding performance is certainly commendable, but success on the basketball court also requires a more comprehensive and balanced teamwork.
In the upcoming game, Embiid and the Philadelphia team need to face not only the challenge of the opponent, but also the deep reflection on their own strategic adjustment and team building. Only by finding a balance between teamwork and individual talent will Philadelphia have the potential to stand firm in the fierce competition and move further into the future. December Creation Incentive Program