After a poor show last season, the Philadelphia 76ers have started the 2025-26 campaign with 2-0 wins, thanks to several of their young players. But on Friday, a former MVP and Sixers veteran, Joel Embiid, stole the show. The Process went hard on the Hornets as he scored 20 points in 20 minutes, going 7-of-11 from the field. Embiid also added two rebounds and four assists to round off his heroics. However, the 31-year-old was met with some harsh criticism after the game.

A reporter asked him about how he felt about the team playing well despite his injury limitations. While Embiid gave back a witty response, he also took to Instagram to showcase his feelings about the situation. The seven-time NBA All-Star posted a carousel of pictures, including several stunning moments from the game. While the pictures alone were more than enough to tell the story, Embiid’s caption took things further up a notch.

“Oh, I’ve Missed You So Much!!!” Embiid wrote. The performance did help him with all the comments around, as he had a terrible opening night showing against the Celtics, where he managed to score just four points, and managed to shoot 1-of-9 from the field. Naturally, he has received a lot of support in the comments, including some encouraging words from none other than Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton. “Game has missed you, brother,” Haliburton wrote on Embiid’s post.

Even the Sixers’ official account commented, “happy to have you back, big fella 🫡,” to boost his morale. These heartwarming messages from Tyrese Haliburton and others were something that the Sixers’ big man was in dire need of, especially given that he’s still on a minutes restriction due to load management. Nonetheless, with the 31-year-old finally showing his true potential, it seems like he also has his confidence back, as he hit back against the hurtful narrative around him.

Joel Embiid gives a fitting reply to his doubters

There has been a long ongoing narrative around Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid that the franchise might just be far better without him. Following the 31-year-old’s abysmal outing against the Celtics, that narrative started swirling once again. But after a solid performance on Friday night, Embiid faced this chatter around his importance to the franchise head-on and gave a reporter a fitting reply. It all started when, after the game, a reporter asked the Sixers star about how his team looked better in his absence.

Well, the Philly start did not hold back. “It’s been 12 years, so… I’ll take it,” he said before turning serious. “Just got to keep it going. Obviously, the most important games are against the best teams and in the playoffs. That’s the effort we’re going to have when I’m not on the floor. Amen. It’s been a long time.”

Indeed, it was Tyrese Maxey who led the charge for the franchise as he finished the game with 28 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, and a block. In fact, Quentin Grimes also contributed big time with 24 points off the bench. Nonetheless, Joel Embiid’s effort couldn’t be neglected.

The veteran big man did put up a great show. Nonetheless, just like he said, given that he’s on a minutes restriction, the Sixers will need their other stars to step up during critical moments, as this is just the beginning of a grueling campaign, and there’s no point relaxing with 2 wins. Hopefully, this can change later down the road as Joel Embiid and Philadelphia will now turn their attention toward the Orlando Magic, whom they will take on next on Monday.