Joel Embiid's demeanor on the basketball court is a clear indicator of his mental state during a game. When he appears disengaged, with lackluster passing and a vacant expression, it often signals a bad day, a scenario all too familiar to this dynamic player.
Yet it is precisely these fluctuations that make his peaks so exciting. When Embiid is animated, pounding his chest, waving his arms and exuding pure confidence, his presence is magnetic, lifting the spirits of all who watch, whether on the court, in the stands or at home.
Prior to the semifinal against Serbia, Embiid's performance at the Olympics had been mixed. Despite a solid game against Brazil in the quarterfinals, his overall tournament had been shaky, leading to calls for him to be benched, which coach Steve Kerr acted on during the group stage against South Sudan. His choice to represent the United States instead of France had also drawn considerable criticism and boos from French spectators.
Facing Serbia, and especially Nikola Jokić, a direct rival, was a pivotal moment for Embiid. Having never made it past the second round of the playoffs in the NBA, this game was his chance to showcase his skills on an international stage, and he did not disappoint.
Although he wasn't the game's best performer, Embiid's influence was key in Team USA's thrilling 95-91 come-from-behind win. The team was down 17 points but rallied thanks to Steph Curry's 36 points and a historic triple-double from LeBron James.
Embiid's impact was undeniable, contributing significantly during the 27 minutes he played, during which Team USA outscored Serbia by 17 points. His offensive prowess was evident with precise jump shots from the foul line and a crucial dunk, while on defense he was a fortress, most notably blocking a shot that set up Curry's game-tying 3-pointer late in the game.
Kevin Durant praised Embiid post-game, noting his versatile play and the pressure he puts on opponents. Embiid's energy seemed to grow as the game progressed, most notably in his reactions to the crowd's boos, which turned into cheers as he left the court.
Looking ahead, Team USA will face France, promising a tough game in front of a less than welcoming crowd. How Embiid handles that pressure could be career-defining moments. While an Olympic gold medal won’t overshadow his NBA playoff performances, it will certainly add a touch of polish to his professional legacy.
