Philadelphia 76ers' star center Joel Embiid made his long-awaited return to the court, but it was not enough to secure a victory as his team fell in a hard-fought double-overtime battle. The 76ers were defeated by the Atlanta Hawks with a final score of 134-142 on Monday, December 1, 2025 (Philippine Time).
Embiid's Comeback Performance After Injury
Embiid took to the hardwood for the first time after missing the team's previous nine games. The All-Star was sidelined due to a sore right knee, an issue that has been a concern. In his return, he played a total of 30 minutes and managed to contribute 18 points to his team's effort. This game marks only the sixth appearance of the season for the dominant big man.
Season Stats and Team Standing
So far in the limited action this season, Joel Embiid is averaging 19.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. His presence is critical for the 76ers' aspirations, but the team continues to navigate his availability. With this latest result, the Philadelphia 76ers' record now stands at 10 wins and 9 losses for the season, placing them in a competitive position within the league's Eastern Conference.
The game itself was a marathon, extending through two overtime periods before the Hawks ultimately prevailed. The loss, though disappointing, highlights the competitive nature of the NBA and the challenge of reintegrating a key player like Embiid back into the lineup after an extended absence. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how his knee responds and if he can quickly return to his MVP-caliber form to help steady the 76ers' campaign.