PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid is optimistic that his recent comeback isn’t a fleeting moment.


The Philadelphia 76ers’ center, who has faced numerous injuries, demonstrated that he still possesses his skills in his return from a left knee injury that kept him off the court for a month. In a closely contested game against the Dallas Mavericks, Embiid notched his first triple-double of the season, leading the team to a 118-116 victory.


Despite having missed 15 consecutive games, the seven-time All-Star made an impressive impact, contributing 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists in 36 minutes of play. He hit 12 of 23 shots from the field and was 4 of 9 from the charity stripe while wearing a substantial knee brace.


“I really wish I could suit up for every game,” Embiid expressed, sharing his ambitions for the remainder of the season. “Ultimately, I can’t control what happens next—it’s all up to God. My goal is to be present and ready every single night.”


However, after the game, coach Nick Nurse confirmed that Embiid would sit out the next match against Miami.


At 30 years old, Embiid has only participated in 14 games so far this season, a situation he has described as “extremely” frustrating. With the team holding a record of 8-6 in games he has played and standing at 20-29 overall, his presence on the court is crucial for the Sixers as they aim for a playoff run.


“Finding positives, like support from family, helps somewhat, but it’s definitely challenging,” he admitted.


In the moments that mattered most, Embiid exhibited his typical prowess, notably hitting a layup with just 22 seconds remaining that put Philadelphia ahead. He secured a defensive rebound on Dallas’ next possession and played a key role in thwarting the Mavericks’ final attempt of the game, which resulted in a turnover.


“I intended to come out strong and be assertive, both inside and outside the paint,” he remarked on his strategy.


Selected third overall by Philadelphia in the 2014 NBA Draft, Embiid had been averaging 24.4 points and 7.9 rebounds prior to the game. He remains hopeful that the 76ers can revive their season.


“All we need is to stay fit and healthy as a team,” he concluded.