In the first quarter of Thursday’s NBA playoff game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid kicked Nic Claxton after stepping over him with the video viral
Fans and people who use social media are upset about what happened. Here is all your need to know about the incident.
Embiid, who is in the running for NBA MVP, kicked Claxton while he was on the ground after Claxton stepped over him. Claxton seemed to be trying to make Embiid mad on purpose, and some fans think that Embiid shouldn’t have kicked him so hard.
Joel Embiid kicks Nic Claxton during Nets vs 76ers playoff game, video goes viral
Embiid kicks Claxton after trying to step over him pic.twitter.com/l23qaOFvHV
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 20, 2023
Even though Embiid got a Flagrant 1, many fans wondered why he wasn’t kicked out of the game. Some have even asked for a suspension because the event was so bad.
“You’re gonna tell me Embiid’s kick was not unnecessary AND excessive?! @NBAOfficial,” one Twitter user questioned. “Can’t believe they didn’t call a Flagrant 2 on Embiid. That should’ve been an automatic ejection!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” another added.”No ejection and one-game suspension for Embiid?? Alright man,” a third tweeted.
Joel Embiid’s dominant performance despite controversy
Even though there was trouble, Embiid played well for the rest of the game. In Game 2, he was in charge with 20 points and 19 boards. But he has a history of getting hurt in the playoffs, so Sixers fans are hoping he can stay fit and keep leading the team against the Brooklyn Nets.
The fight between Embiid and Claxton happened just days after Golden State Warriors player Draymond Green was kicked out of a game for stepping on Domantas Sabonis’ chest. Green was on the ground when Sabonis grabbed his leg.
NBA under scrutiny for physicality and player conduct
Recently, the NBA has come under fire for how rough its games are and how its players act. Many basketball fans like how intense the playoffs are, but things like this show how important it is for the league to follow its rules regularly and fairly.
The Sixers and Embiid will have to forget about the debate and focus on the rest of the playoffs. The Brooklyn Nets are giving the team a hard time right now, and Embiid’s health will be a big part of how well they do.