In tonight’s game between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks, Joel Embiid stood tall with his elite performance. However, in one play he resorted to a dirty move to try and stop Knicks center Mitchell Robinson from scoring an easy layup. This play ended up going viral among fans as the eventual dirty play ended up injuring Robinson.
With 4 minutes left in the 1st quarter, Joel Embiid was patrolling the paint when Knicks forward OG Anunoby bumped into him while trying to score. The ensuing contact sent the reigning MVP crashing to the floor as Anunoby dished the ball to Mitchell Robinson, who was free. As Robinson tried to go up for the easy layup, Embiid grabbed around Robinson’s knee to try and slow him down.
Robinson ended up limping and was livid as he thought Embiid was trying to hurt him with that move. New York Knicks players gathered around to complain and call for a flagrant foul. Joel Embiid also jawed with them in defense of his actions and had to be separated by 76ers staff.
Eventually, the referees reviewed the foul and labeled it a Flagrant 1. However, towards the end of the 2nd quarter, a constantly hobbling Robinson had to exit the game. Fans are not happy with the Philadelphia 76ers superstar, as they feel it affected the outcome of the game.
Fans not happy with Joel Embiid resorting to dirty play
In any form of sport, resorting to such a dirty play is seen in a negative light. They can range in seriousness and could potentially harm the player in more ways than one. Basketball followers feel that Mitchell Robinson’s injury was influenced by Embiid’s that play. They feel his intentions were not right even though he himself has just returned from a knee injury.
Therefore, netizens wasted no time jumping onto social media to call out the superstar big man. Check out some of those reactions below:
I genuinely cant comprehend how Embiid is some peoples favorite player
— Ellis Island 23 🏝️ (@3onEllis) April 26, 2024If this was Draymond Green he wouldn’t be in uniform for Game 4
— Charlie Quinn (@CharlieQuinnMMA) April 26, 2024First you flop. Then you want to pull on someone who missed half a season’s ankle mid dunk right after? I’m sorry Joel Embiid will never beat the dirty player allegations. Should’ve been Flagrant 2. pic.twitter.com/7S0uzxs7xt
— NYKMuse (@NYKMuse) April 26, 2024He should’ve gotten ejected
— Arlong (@ramseyboltin) April 26, 2024If someone did this to him he’d be on the floor for five mins and would be granted 10 free throws
— yy.🥷🏾🏴☠️ (@imvellyy) April 26, 2024Dirty plays are scorned in sports. The reigning MVP has a good enough game to win playoff games. Therefore, it was inexplicable as to why he had to resort to this play. Hopefully the next games in the series won’t witness such antiques.
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