VJ Edgecombe is encouraging Joel Embiid to stay confident through a cold shooting stretch, telling the former MVP that no defender can stop him. Embiid scored 20 points in Philadelphia’s win over Toronto, but his 3-point struggles continued. A late-first-quarter knee scare added concern before he returned to the game.

By the Numbers
  • Embiid: 20 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists against Toronto.
  • Embiid shot 7-for-17 from the field and 0-for-3 from 3-point range.
  • He has made 2 of 29 3-point attempts over his last 10 games.
  • Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 27 points in its 123-112 win.
Yes, But

Embiid contributed enough inside the arc to help Philadelphia win, but his prolonged struggles from 3-point range remain an issue. His knee scare was another concern, though he returned midway through the second quarter.

Bottom Line

Edgecombe’s message is simple: Embiid’s confidence and health matter as much as his shot. The Sixers got the win, but they still need Embiid to regain his rhythm from deep.