Joel Embiid was back in the starting lineup for Team USA’s group play finale against Jose Alvarado and Puerto Rico. Things actually looked a bit dicey early on for the Stars and Stripes. Puerto Rico went on an 11-0 run at one point in the first quarter, and shot 4-of-7 from three in the frame to lead by four points after the opening 10 minutes. However, like life, a huge talent disparity eventually finds a way, and Team USA broke things open by outscoring Puerto Rico in the second quarter, 39-16. Things were basically settled from there in the 104-83 win for the United States. Anthony Edwards led all scorers with 26 points, including the dunk of the game:

As for Embiid watch, the big man finished with 15 points to lead the starters, shooting 6-of-14 from the field and 2-of-2 from the foul line. He added three rebounds, two assists, and two blocks, against three turnovers. He first got on the board with his patented turnaround midrange jumper:

On the ensuing defensive possession, Joel had a terrific block of Alvarado at the rim. The next quarter, he had an even better block of Ismael Romero:

Aside from the on-court production, Embiid was in full Troel mode for the French audience. After one bucket in the second quarter, he held his hand up to his ear hear the boos that much better:

With the game about to end, Joel went full Maximus mode before airballing a shot from near halfcourt:

I’m not going to say this game was a masterclass from Embiid. He’s still not hitting those jumpers with his usual regularity and he had one cringeworthy pass for a turnover early in the game. But Joel also had more than his share of highlights today so that’s a positive step. Team USA advances out of Group C after going 3-0 and will play Brazil in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.