Joel Embiid suffering from Bell's palsy / News - Basketnews.com

Philadelphia 76ers forward Joel Embiid said he started getting affected by Bell's palsy before the Play-In Tournament.

Credit: AP-Scanpix Credit AP-Scanpix

The Philadelphia 76ers bounced back strong in Game 3 to cut the deficit in their series with the New York Knicks, 2-1.

Joel Embiid

MIN:34.04PTS:34.63 (64.71%)REB:10.95As:5.58ST:1.14BL:1.58TO:3.72GM:43ProfileNBA2023/2024

Joel Embiid dropped a playoff career-high 50 points, shooting 13-of-19 from the field and making 19-of-21 from the line. He also made five 3-pointers and grabbed 8 rebounds.

"They want to bring the physicality," Embiid said. "We can be physical, too."

Embiid, who was last season's MVP, became the first Sixer to score 50 points in a postseason game since Allen Iverson did it in the 2002-03 playoffs.

Joel EmbiidCredit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix

After the game, Embiid also shared with reporters that he is suffering from Bell's palsy, a form of facial paralysis.

"My left side of my face, my mouth, and my eye. It's been tough. But I'm not a quitter. I'm going to keep fighting through anything," he shared.

Embiid said that it started affecting him before the Play-In Tournament.

"It’s unfortunate, that’s the way I look at it. But it’s not an excuse. I’ve got to keep pushing.”

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