After Bell’s palsy diagnosis, Embiid becomes a standout for the 76ers.
Despite having to cope with Bell’s palsy, center Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers believes he is “not a quitter” after turning up his best-ever postseason performance.
Bell’s palsy affects the muscles on one side of the face, resulting in weakening or paralysis of the muscles.
In the third game of Philadelphia’s play-off series against the New York Knicks, Embiid scored a play-off career-high 50 points.
“Pretty annoying with the left side of my face, my mouth and my eye,” stated the man.
“Though it’s been difficult, I won’t give up. You must persevere through all obstacles.”
The NBA’s 2023 Most Valuable Player, Joel Embiid, stated he has been coping with the illness ever since Philadelphia defeated the Miami Heat on April 17.
“I struggled with migraines and felt like it was nothing. I usually want to bear things alone, but for some reason, I had to tell someone,” Embiid remarked.
“My perspective is that it’s unfortunate. That isn’t an excuse, though. You have to keep moving forward.”
Embiid shot 13 of 19 from the field and 19 of 21 from the free-throw line, however there were instances during the game when it seemed as though his face was sagging to one side.
With the victory, the 76ers’ Eastern Conference first-round playoff deficit is now only 2-1.
The best-of-seven series’ fourth game is scheduled for Sunday in Philadelphia.
The Denver Nuggets, meanwhile, are now just one victory away from making it to the Western Conference semifinals.
The defending NBA champions defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 112-105 on the road to grab a 3-0 lead in their Western Conference play-off series.
Aaron Gordon scored 29 points, while Nikola Jokic pulled down 15 rebounds, 24 points, and nine assists.
The Lakers, who have now dropped 11 straight games versus Denver, were led by LeBron James, who finished with 26 points and 9 assists.
If the Nuggets prevail in game four on Sunday in Los Angeles, they will secure a trip to the semi-finals.
In the meantime, the Orlando Magic defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-83 to inflict their most severe postseason loss ever.
Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 31 points and 14 rebounds.