Philadelphia 76ers centre Joel Embiid says he’s “not a quitter” after producing his best-ever post-season efficiency, regardless of coping with the facial situation Bell’s palsy.
Bell’s palsy causes facial muscle weak spot or paralysis, affecting the muscle tissues on one facet of the face.
Embiid scored a play-off career-high 50 factors in Philadelphia’s 125-114 win over the New York Knicks, in recreation three of their play-off collection.
“Fairly annoying with the left facet of my face, my mouth and my eye,” he mentioned.
“It has been powerful, however I am not a quitter. Acquired to maintain preventing by way of something.”
Embiid, the NBA’s Most Beneficial Participant in 2023, mentioned he had been coping with the situation since Philadelphia’s win over the Miami Warmth on 17 April.
“I battled migraines and thought it was nothing. Often I wish to powerful it out, however for some purpose I ended up having to inform any person,” Embiid mentioned.
“It is unlucky, that is the best way I take a look at it. However that is not an excuse. Acquired to maintain pushing.”
Regardless of noticeable moments of his face showing to droop to 1 facet throughout the recreation, Embiid shot 13 of 19 from the sector and 19 of 21 from the free-throw line.
The win cuts the 76ers’ deficit within the Japanese Convention first-round play-offs to 2-1.
Recreation 4 within the best-of-seven collection will likely be performed in Philadelphia on Sunday.