Paul George praises Joel Embiid for his work after eliminating Celtics

BOSTON -- Defeating the Boston Celtics in Game 7 in Round 1 was a big accomplishment for Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid.

Sure, Embiid has had some phenomenal playoff games in his career. His performance in Game 7 was no different, but it just meant more. He was winless in his previous three Game 7s and had not been able to figure out the Celtics in his career. All of that is out the window for the Sixers now as Embiid dropped 34 points with 12 rebounds and six assists in the win.

"Jo wanted it," said Paul George. "He showed it. We talked about it. Game 7. He’s got a sour taste in his mouth, period, but also, playing Boston, he's got a sour taste in his mouth. So, this is a double whammy for him, that he really wanted this. He almost willed it possession by possession. Tonight, he wanted the ball. He wanted those matchups. He wanted the moment, and he showed it."

There was nothing the Celtics could do against the big fella as they desperately tried so many different things on the floor, but Embiid went to work and made it look easy almost every time down. In the past, that may have bothered the big fella, but this was a different moment for him. He was ready just to make sure he and the Sixers were in the best position to succeed and it led to a big night for him.

"He dominated," George finished. "He got to his spot. It didn't matter who was guarding him. For him take on the leadership of 'I got this. I'm gonna get us over the hump.' If kind of just put everybody at ease."

As the Sixers now head into Round 2 against the New York Knicks, Embiid will look to keep things moving in the right direction against Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns. He has had success against New York's big man in his career and will continue to lean on that heading into the East semifinals.