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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up before a game against the Dallas Mavericks at the Wells Fargo Center on February 04, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Following a shocking comeback win for the Philadelphia 76ers, the legendary Villanova Basketball coach Jay Wright took to social media to shout out the superstar center, Joel Embiid.
Despite Embiid getting off to a slow start and the 76ers trailing by double digits throughout the game, the big man put together a dominant performance in the end, which led to a 76ers 113-97 win.
Jay Wright Sends A Message To Joel Embiid
via Jay Wright on X: Joel Embid’s ability to play against a great Celtic team on the road after illness and injury is incredible . The ability of Nick Nurse to keep this team organized and cohesive with injuries , youth and suspensions is amazing.
Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty ImagesNEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – APRIL 01: Head coach Jay Wright of the Villanova Wildcats looks on during practice before the 2022 Men’s Basketball Tournament Final Four at Caesars Superdome on April 01, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Wright, a well-known 76ers fan, has supported the Embiid era of hoops for as long as the former Kansas center has been in town.
The 2025-2026 season was a shaky one for Embiid, as setbacks have affected him once again. However, it was clear that when he was healthy, Embiid could remain one of the top players in the game.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 26: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up before game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Embiid finished the regular season with 38 games played. He posted averages of 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.9 assists. The regular season ended prematurely for Embiid, as he dealt with appendicitis during the final week of the regular season.
After getting surgery, Embiid missed the final few games of the regular season. He was also out for the NBA Play-In game against the Orlando Magic, and missed the first three games of the first-round series against the Boston Celtics.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the second half against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Although Embiid’s return to action in Game 4 didn’t give the Sixers the proper boost needed to tie the series, he dominated in Game 5.
Embiid produced 26 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists against the Celtics in Tuesday’s win. Now, the 76ers have a chance to tie the series up at home on Thursday in Game 6.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
