Joel Embiid ejected after 2 technicals vs. Spurs
Philadelphia 76ers Star Joel Embiid Ejected in First Half Against Spurs
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was ejected in the first half of Monday night’s 111-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs after drawing two technical fouls. Referee Jenna Schroeder ejected Embiid with 2:59 left in the second quarter. The seven-time All-Star received the first technical for arguing with Schroeder, and received another technical — and ejection — from Schroeder before any more game time elapsed. Embiid got close to Schroeder and made incidental contact, crew chief Curtis Blair told a pool reporter after the game. Blair said that Embiid was tossed for two unsportsmanlike technical fouls.
Embiid did not address the incident afterward. According to a team official, Embiid left the arena when reporters were in the locker room for postgame media availability. An enraged Embiid charged toward the officials after the ejection and was restrained by teammate Kyle Lowry, coach Nick Nurse, and several assistants.
It has been a challenging season for Embiid, who has been dealing with left knee soreness and other issues. Monday’s game marked just the fifth time Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia’s “Big Three,” were in the starting lineup together. Maxey scored 32 points and made two crucial plays in the final minute to fuel Philadelphia’s win.
Wearing a mask while playing in just his second game since suffering a sinus fracture, Embiid had nine points and three rebounds in 14:22, shooting 2 for 8. This matchup against Spurs center Victor Wembanyama was a far cry from their first meeting. Last January, Embiid set a Sixers franchise record with 70 points in a victory over the Spurs.
On Monday, Embiid went right at Wembanyama in the early going but looked rusty for most of his abbreviated stay. Just before the ejection, Embiid was whistled for an offensive foul, leading to his altercation with Schroeder. It was the second ejection of the quarter by Schroeder, although the first was rescinded.
“The whole thing was really strange,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said. Blair explained that the review showed that Drummond’s contact with Wembanyama was deemed incidental. Wembanyama, who had a strong performance with 26 points, nine rebounds, and eight blocks, also didn’t think a foul should’ve been called.
Embiid, a two-time NBA scoring champ, entered the game averaging 22.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists. Philadelphia was 2-5 in the seven contests in which he played.
