COMEBACK KID EMBIID LIFTS PHILADELPHIA

Star centre shrugs aside injury-induced depression, shows way against Oklahoma

LOS ANGELES - Joel Embiid overcame a "mental toll" to make a dazzling return from a two-month injury layoff and inspire the Philadelphia 76ers to an upset 109-105 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2.

The National Basketball Association's (NBA) reigning Most Valuable Player was a surprise late inclusion in the Sixers' starting line-up at the Wells Fargo Centre, returning to the hardwood after suffering a knee injury in a defeat by the Golden State Warriors on Jan 30.

In Embiid's absence, the Sixers' season has been in free fall, plunging into the play-in positions in the Eastern Conference rather than the automatic post-season spots.

The 30-year-old's return on April 2 suggested the Sixers may yet be capable of upsetting the form book heading into the play-offs after battling past the Thunder, who went into the game as Western Conference leaders.

Embiid, who finished with 24 points, seven assists and six rebounds after logging nearly 30 minutes of game time, was visibly exhausted after dragging the Sixers (41-35) over the line.