The Philadelphia 76ers secured their first victory in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, defeating the New York Knicks in Game 3. Joel Embiid played a crucial role, leading the Sixers with an impressive performance.

Joel Embiid delivered an outstanding performance in Game 3 of the NBA playoffs, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 125-114 victory over the New York Knicks.

The seven-foot, 280-pound center scored a playoff career-high 50 points on 13-of-19 shooting from the field. His dominant play was instrumental in securing the Sixers’ first win of the series after losing the first two games in New York.

Joel Embiid tonight vs the Knicks

• 50 PTS
• 8 REB
• 4 AST
• 13/19 FG
• 5/7 3PT
• +16

NEW PLAYOFF CAREER HIGH FOR THE BIG FELLA #TheProcess pic.twitter.com/rU474sXHXM

— Prez💊 (@PresidentEmbiid) April 26, 2024

Embiid’s scoring outburst included splashing three-pointers and overpowering the Knicks’ defense. He also helped keep the Knicks’ star player, Jalen Brunson, in check. Brunson had an impressive game himself, scoring 39 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Embiid’s dominance.

The Sixers’ victory was crucial as they played in front of their home crowd for the first time in the series, aiming to avoid falling into a 0-3 hole, which no NBA team has ever climbed out of.

The Wells Fargo Center erupted in celebration as Embiid’s career-high performance gave the Sixers hope in the series. Now, all eyes are on Game 4 as the Knicks look to bounce back and the Sixers aim to build on their momentum.

In the first half, Embiid scored 17 points, but the team trailed by three points. However, in the second half, he dominated, scoring 33 points in just 19 minutes.

This included hitting five threes and achieving a career-high 50 points. Embiid became only the second center in NBA history to achieve such a stat line.

Alongside his scoring, he contributed eight rebounds, four assists, and one block.

The only centers in NBA history with

40+ points
5+ threes

in a playoff game. pic.twitter.com/onZsrrfhDJ

— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 26, 2024

The Sixers won 125-114, bringing them back into the series. The teams will now have two days off before their next matchup in Game 4 and Game 5.