“I’m not a quitter” – Joel Embiid on bell’s palsy paralysis

Joel Embiid said he experienced symptoms of the bell’s palsy paralysis on the left of his face, mouth and eye during the game against the New York Knicks on Friday.

The NBA star center scored a career-high 50 points in the Philadelphia 76ers 125-114 victory in game three of the playoffs, but the paralysis on his face drew more attention.

Putting sunglasses on during the game three post-match press conference, Embiid said he was diagnosed with Bell’s palsy before the playoffs started.

“It’s been pretty annoying” he said.

“It’s been tough, but I’m not a quitter, so I got to keep fighting through anything. It’s unfortunate, that’s the way I look at it. That’s not an excuse, I got to keep pushing” Embiid said.

Bell’s palsy is described as a temporary paralysis which occurs when there is an inflammation of a nerve that controls facial muscles.

Symptoms come within two to three days and treatment can take a week or two.