Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid was ejected during his team’s dramatic 111-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The incident occurred late in the first half when Embiid confronted referee Jenna Schroeder following a controversial foul call.
The Incident That Led to Embiid’s Ejection
The drama unfolded with two minutes and 59 seconds remaining in the first half. Referee Schroeder called a foul on Embiid after a collision with Victor Wembanyama, knocking the Spurs rookie to the floor. Displeased with the call, Embiid argued vehemently with the referee, escalating the situation by removing his protective face mask.
Despite teammates’ efforts to restrain him, Embiid continued protesting, which resulted in two technical fouls and his subsequent ejection.
Game Highlights
Even without Embiid, the 76ers secured the win, thanks in large part to Tyrese Maxey, who delivered an exceptional performance with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. On the opposing side, Wembanyama showcased his talents with 26 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 blocked shots, proving his value as one of the league’s most exciting rookies.
76ers coach Nick Nurse described the first half as “wild,” reflecting the intensity of the game.
Broader NBA Updates
In other NBA action:
- The Boston Celtics, missing star Jayson Tatum due to illness, suffered a surprising 108-104 defeat against the Orlando Magic. Tristan da Silva led Orlando with 18 points.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dominated with 41 points, helping the Oklahoma City Thunder to a commanding 123-105 win over the Washington Wizards, solidifying their position as Western Conference leaders.
The Aftermath
Embiid’s ejection highlights the passion and intensity he brings to the game. However, such incidents can impact team momentum and potentially lead to further league scrutiny. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the NBA takes additional action against Embiid.
For the full game recap, visit BBC Sport. Check out more NBA updates and highlights on Eurasia Sports.
