Joel Embiid Gives Honest Take on His 1st Dunk of NBA Season in 76ers' Win vs. Knicks

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid got his first dunk of the season on Saturday evening to end his team's 130-119 road win over the New York Knicks.

Embiid provided his thoughts on the slam after the game, per ESPN's Tim Bontemps.

"It was whatever," Embiid said. "It was an easy one. I wish it would have been one off the backboard. ... That's the next step."

The big man finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. After the dunk, which took place with 24.9 seconds left in regulation, Embiid raised his hands in celebration as his elated teammates joined in on the fun.

76ers-Knicks Full Highlights

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Embiid missed two months of the 2023-24 regular season after suffering a lateral meniscus injury in his left knee. He returned in April of that season, but unfortunately, he was held to just 19 games in 2024-25 as the knee continued to hold him off the court. Eventually, Embiid underwent arthroscopic surgery on the knee last April.

This season, Embiid has played in 16 of a possible 33 games, averaging 22.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game as the team brings him back into the mix slowly and manages his time. His presence, even in limited action, has helped the 76ers go 19-14 and nearly match year's 24-victory total already.

As far as what's next for Embiid, a lob from Maxey could enter the equation.

"I was so happy," Maxey said, per Bontemps. "So now, it's my fault because the play before, I dropped him off a pass, thinking he wasn't going to dunk it. Now he's telling me to throw him a lob. So, I'm going to throw him a lob, and we're going to see how that goes."

The 76ers will look for win No. 20 on Monday when they host the Denver Nuggets.