76ers HC Nick Nurse gives Joel Embiid credit for fighting through Game 3 vs. Knicks

Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse said Joel Embiid did everything possible in his return during Friday’s 108-94 loss to the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Embiid, who missed Game 2 because of a sprained right ankle and soreness in his right hip, finished with 18 points in 35 minutes as Philadelphia fell behind 3-0 in the series. Nurse credited the former MVP for battling through physical limitations after his status remained uncertain until shortly before tipoff.

“I thought he gave us everything he could. I really do. I think he tried to give us everything he could tonight, and that’s all he could do,” Nurse said after the loss.

Nick Nurse says Joel Embiid “gave everything he could” in Game 3 against the Knicks.

(Via @kennamcginnis_ @MrUram) pic.twitter.com/7frbvyToMB

— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) May 9, 2026

The Sixers star shot 41 percent from the field and committed three turnovers while struggling to move comfortably throughout the night. Embiid appeared limited after multiple collisions with Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns in the paint, and Philadelphia was outscored by nine points during his minutes on the floor.

Embiid has been dealing with multiple health setbacks this postseason. After undergoing an emergency appendectomy late in the regular season, he missed the beginning of the playoffs before returning in Game 5 of the opening round against the Boston Celtics. His comeback helped the 76ers erase a 3-1 deficit in that series.

Philadelphia has not received the same level of production from Embiid in the second round. He scored a postseason-low 14 points in Game 1 against New York before sitting out Game 2.

Meanwhile, the Knicks continued to control the series behind another clinic of a performance from Jalen Brunson, who recorded 33 points and nine assists. Mikal Bridges scored 23 points, while Landry Shamet finished with 15 points off the bench on 5-of-6 shooting despite entering the game with only 14 total postseason points.

The 76ers were outrebounded 57-41 and allowed 20 second-chance points. Kelly Oubre Jr. led Philadelphia with 22 points, while Tyrese Maxey finished with 17. Paul George scored 15 first-quarter points but missed all nine of his shots the rest of the way.

Game 4 is scheduled for Sunday afternoon, where the Sixers will try to avoid elimination.

The post 76ers HC Nick Nurse gives Joel Embiid credit for fighting through Game 3 vs. Knicks appeared first on ClutchPoints.