Joel Embiid injury vs. Knicks: no plans for shutdown, Nick Nurse says / News - Basketnews.com

Nick Nurse addresses Joel Embiid's injury scare during Game 1 against the Knicks, reassuring that there are no plans to shut down the reigning MVP while emphasizing his "warrior" character.

Credit: Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix Credit Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse assured that there are no plans to shut down Joel Embiid after an injury scare during their 111-104 Game 1 loss to the New York Knicks on Saturday, as reported by Tim Bontemps of ESPN.

Player of the Game EFF 23 Josh Hart Points 22 Accuracy 5-12 Rebounds 13 Assists 2

"He really is a warrior, and he's battling," Nurse said of Embiid, who had a meniscus injury this season.

"I think he absolutely wants to play, but let's see how he turns out here tonight," the coach added.

Embiid briefly left the game with 2:37 left in the first half, following an incredible play. He soared for a one-handed dunk, launching the ball off the backboard to himself for an alley-oop finish.

However, as Embiid landed, he came down awkwardly on his left leg, causing him to immediately collapse to the ground. He then managed to rise slowly and make his way off the court under his own power, heading straight to Philadelphia's locker room for assessment.

Embiid returned to the bench just before the second half began, rejoining his teammates on the floor.

"I knew when I went in at halftime that they were checking him out," Nurse said. "And that he was up and moving. And they did say we are seeing. They didn't rule him out yet. They just took him all the way to the end there to get him ruled back in."

The reigning NBA MVP finished the game with 29 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals over 37 minutes. Philadelphia was outscored by 21 points during the mere 11 minutes Embiid spent on the bench.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven series will take place Monday in New York.

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