Joel Embiid celebrates All-Star nod with monster night vs. Celtics, brushes off Rihanna

His team having posted consecutive wins over the two top teams in the East (Toronto and Boston) while moving back into the playoff picture, Brown took great pride in reflecting on how far Embiid and the Sixers as a whole have come this season.

“[The All-Star nod is] significant for him. It’s significant for any player,” Brown said. “It validates his perseverance, and to think that he hasn’t really done a lot of practicing, yet still produces the results that he produces, is just further, to me, incentive on trying to help get him in better shape and help all that as his health allows. It’s just to remind him that what you’ve done is amazing and well done, and we’ve got more to give and we’ve got more to go.”

Embiid dipped deep into his offensive toolbox against Boston, showcasing a variety of post moves, including everything from silky fadeaways to brute force and-1s.

The Celtics had few answers for Embiid as Philly built as much as a 21-point lead. Boston made a late charge but couldn’t come all the way back.

“[Embiid] got it going,” said Celtics swingman Jaylen Brown. “I think he got comfortable and just got it rolling. He was scoring, getting calls, all of the above. We won’t see them again maybe until the playoffs. But, if we do, we’ve just gotta do a better job trying to contain him. He’s a really good player. Strong. And he’s big. And he’s good at getting fouls. So we’ve gotta do a better job of that, and they’ve gotta let us touch him.”

Embiid noted how he played poorly in previous matchups against Boston and wanted to redeem himself.

“I’ve been struggling a little bit against that team, the two games that I’ve played against them. So tonight I really wanted to play better,” Embiid said.

Boston-Philly would be the No. 1 vs. No. 8 matchup if the playoffs started today.

“I feel like we’re right there with them,” Embiid said. “I don’t know what seed we’re going to be, but that’s a potential matchup in the playoffs, so we always want to come out and try to dominate. Let them know that it’s not going to be easy.”

But there’s a lot to accomplish before then. Like that trip to L.A. for the All-Star Game.

“I’m ready. I’m excited,” Embiid said. “First time, so it should be really fun.”

Article Appeared @http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/22148550/joel-embiid-celebrates-all-star-nod-monster-effort-philadelphia-76ers-east-leading-boston-celtics

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