Joel Embiid sought redemption in Team USA’s 104-83 win over Puerto Rico

Team USA won their third consecutive Group Stage game against Puerto Rico 104-83 led by Anthony Edwards’ 26 point explosion and Joel Embiid’s 15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 2 assists as he bounced back from a rough Olympic debut against Serbia.

After being taken out of the starting lineup and receiving a DNP, Embiid found himself back in the starting five with Stephen Curry, Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum, and LeBron James.

Joel Embiid today

– 15 points
– 3 rebounds
– 2 blocks
– 2 assist
– 6/14 FG
– 1/3 3P

Scored the most points of any USA starter🔥

(📸: Jesse D. Garrabrant / Getty Images) pic.twitter.com/6ixrhIrj6A

— Jacob Moreno (@jmoreno76ers) August 3, 2024

Joel Embiid established himself on both ends in first half

Although the first five minutes of the opening period weren’t televised, Joel Embiid reminded us of how effective he can be on both ends of the floor. As soon as the broadcast started, Embiid drilled a signature fade-away post jumpers in isolation then proceeded to deny a shot at the rim.

Team USA head coach Steve Kerr said that his rotations were dependent on the matchup and he was proven right in the second quarter. Embiid continued to display his inside dominance with another easy post-shot in single coverage and a quick transition bucket off a duck-in assisted by LeBron James.

While Embiid’s interior skill was impressive, his rim protection was equally as impactful. The 76ers center racked up another block as Romero, Puerto Rico’s center, tried to get past Embiid off a dribble drive. Embiid was also effective as a help defender against dribble penetration, which blew up possessions.

Joel Embiid at halftime

– 6 points
– 2 blocks
– 1 assist
– 3/6 FG

Impacting the game on both ends🔥pic.twitter.com/Uh38DGtJ8q

— Jacob Moreno (@jmoreno76ers) August 3, 2024

Joel Embiid

After establishing a rhythm in the first half, Puerto Rico continued to play single coverage against Joel Embiid. The 2023 MVP tried to take advantage in the restricted area drawing contact from Romero and drilling a spot-up three where the defense was late to close out.

Embiid then started to cool down missing some easy face-up jumper and another off-the-catch three, which continued when he was a part of Team USA’s garbage time lineup in the closing minutes in the fourth quarter. Even so, Embiid drilled a mid-range shot utilizing the dream-shake and threw it down off a back-door cut.

Embiid showcased his ability to create offense for others as he found Derrick White for a layup off a back-cut as he got doubled from the baseline and attempted to create a weak-side corner three for Jayson Tatum in transition, who he spotted for an inside shot in the first quarter.

This is the funniest Sixers air-ball since James Harden's shimmy step-back threepic.twitter.com/EI9CEq1FEc

— Jacob Moreno (@jmoreno76ers) August 3, 2024

The superstar center then ended the game in the most “Troel” way possible by jacking up a near logo three with seconds left to spare in the game to rouse up the French crowd.

Mandatory Credit: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)