Embiid accepts 'good and bad' with active social media presence

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid received some boos from the home crowd on Tuesday during introductions in light of his recent cryptic social media posts.

However, the All-Star center quickly turned those jeers into cheers with an early basket against the Los Angeles Clippers. After the game, Embiid said he wasn't bothered by the fans' initial reaction but also doesn't regret returning to his old ways on social media.

"Tonight I could have shushed them again, but it was all about having fun again, getting back to myself," Embiid told reporters, including ESPN's Tim Bontemps.

"Like I said after last game, I'm back to doing whatever I want and saying whatever I want," Embiid added. "That's how I used to be, and you know, I was dominating that way. This year I made a decision to change, and I guess it hasn't worked out, so it comes with the good and bad.

"If it helps us win, and if it helps me help the team in a better way to win games, then I'm going to be that guy."

Some fans might've been questioning Embiid's commitment to the franchise heading into Tuesday's contest. But following the Sixers' victory, the 25-year-old left no doubt as to where his heart was.

"They be going at me, I went back at them," Embiid said. "We're all human beings. If I can take it, then everyone else can take it, too. So we move on, we learn from it, we move on. I gotta do a better job. They gotta do a better job.

"I understand where that comes from, but then again, if you dish it, you gotta be able to take it back. But at the end of the day, like I said in my location last night, it's all love," Embiid added. "I love my city. I been here for a long time now - we have a special relationship, and I'm happy to be here. I can't wait for the future, especially this year. I think we can accomplish something great."

Embiid tied Ben Simmons with a team-high 26 points on 8-of-17 shooting. He also led all players with 13 free-throw attempts while chipping in nine boards - including two on the offensive glass.

Philadelphia improved to 34-21 with Tuesday's win and sit two games back of the Miami Heat for the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.