Fireworks are flying in Philadelphia.
Joel Embiid was ejected in the second quarter of the 76’ers game against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, but did not exit quietly.
X/@BLEACHERREPORT
X/@BLEACHERREPORT
X/@BLEACHERREPORTEmbiid was upset after a charging call went against him, as he believed it was a blocking foul on Wembanyama.
The referee called a charge and Embiid ran up to her and got extremely close to her face to argue the call.
The referee gave Embiid a tech, which the center then proceeded to argue until the referee had no choice but to eject him.
Embiid was irate and had to be held back by his coaches and teammates, as he ripped off his mask.
The MVP lost his cool.
It’s been a disappointing season so far for Embiid and the 76’ers, and the frustration boiled over.
They’ve stumbled out to a 9-17 record, good for 12th in the East.
Embiid has missed large chunks of the season already due to injury and load management.
He signed a 3-year, $193M extension before the season, and had extremely high expectations going into the year.
The Sixers signed superstar Paul George over the summer, in hopes of pairing him with Embiid to help get over the hump.
X/@BLEACHERREPORTEmbiid has never reached the Eastern Conference Finals.
This was supposed to be the year.
It very well still can be, as it is early, but so far, so bad.
And it’s clearly wearing thin on the shoulders of Embiid.