Steve Kerr rested Joel Embiid in 2nd half vs Brazil due to ankle issue
Team USA cruised to a 122-87 win over Brazil in the quarterfinal round on Tuesday despite Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid not playing in the second half. The big fella had 14 points and seven rebounds in the first half, but coach Steve Kerr decided to go with Bam Adebayo to start the half.
It was a peculiar decision due to the fact that Embiid had a terrific first half and looked the best he's looked during this Olympic run.
However, there appears to be a legitimate reason for it. Per The AP's Tim Reynolds, the 2023 NBA MVP told Kerr that he's having an issue with his ankle. Kerr and the coaching staff decided to play it safe and it sounds like he will be ready to face Serbia in the semifinals on Thursday.
Joel Embiid had a bit of ankle discomfort and told Steve Kerr at halftime. Hence, he rested the second half. Doesn’t sound serious.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) August 6, 2024
Embiid and the Americans are looking to reach the gold medal game if they can knock off Serbia at 3 p.m. EDT on Thursday in Paris.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Steve Kerr rested Joel Embiid in 2nd half vs Brazil due to ankle issue
