Joel 'The Process' Embiid Shines In NBA Debut
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Process is here.
Joel "The Process" Embiid made his NBA debut on Wednesday night, tallying 20 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in 22 minutes. Although the Sixers lost 103-97 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, fans were encouraged by the 7'2" center they've waited two years for.
Philadelphia @Sixers rook @JoelEmbiid gets the home crowd on their feet early in his debut! #MADEinPHILA pic.twitter.com/egmQs7RXUV
— NBA (@NBA) October 27, 2016
Chants of "Trust The Process" reigned down as Embiid shot free throws late in the game.
Van Gundy: "They're chanting trust the Process in an ode to Sam Hinkie."
— Andrew Porter (@And_Porter) October 27, 2016
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Embiid was on a 20-minute restriction entering the game, Okafor was on a 12-minute restriction, while Nerlens Noel and No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons are out several weeks with injuries.
Brett Brown was brilliant tonight, the way he managed minutes and pushed all the right buttons.
— Andrew Porter (@And_Porter) October 27, 2016
Dario Saric, also making his NBA debut, struggled scoring just five points on 2-12 shooting (0-4 on three's) with seven rebounds. Sergio Rodriguez had 12 points and nine assists with no turnovers in his Sixers debut.
For the Thunder, Russell Westbrook dominated with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists.