The New York Knicks had defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in first two matches of the Playoff Round 1 series but in Game 3, the 76ers bounced back with fervor and defeated the Knicks with a concluding score of 125-114.
The Cameroonian sensation and seven-time All-Star, Joel Embiid, posted 50 points, including 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Tyrese Maxey registered 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 7 assists. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 15 points to the scoreboard, including 7 rebounds and 3 assists.
From the Knicks side, Jalen Brunson registered 39 points, including 2 rebounds and 13 assists. Josh Hart added 20 points, including 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. OG Anunoby posted 17 points, including 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. Isaiah Hartenstein ended his game with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist.
However, during Game 3, Joel Embiid received a flagrant foul as he grabbed the legs of center Mitchell Robinson when he was about to make a point. In the earlier play, Embiid was chasing a Knicks player and as a result of the scuffle, he fell down.
“I’m not gonna comment on what they’re commenting on. They’re gonna hit, then we hit back, then they cry…Let’s just hoop, this ain’t the WWE.”
– Kelly Oubre on the Knicks calling Joel Embiid ‘dirty’
(Via @PeterBotte ) pic.twitter.com/CUwiN81ash
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 27, 2024
Joel Embiid received a Flagrant 1 after this foul on Mitchell Robinson 😳 pic.twitter.com/2ygeQh8gMG
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 26, 2024
Kelly Oubre pushed back on the claims from New York that Embiid’s foul on Robinson was a dirty play, saying he’s been fouled the same way.
“They’re gonna hit, and we’re gonna hit back, and they’re gonna cry, and then vice versa or whatever the case may be. Let’s just hoop,… pic.twitter.com/yRgGyi1pgX
— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) April 27, 2024
He mentioned, as per CBS Sports, “At the end of the day, I don’t think it’s dirty. Jo has to protect himself. But at the end of the day, I’m not gonna comment on what they’re commenting on because at the end of the day, they’re gonna hit, and then we hit back, then they cry, and then vice versa or whatever the case may be. It’s like, let’s just hoop, let’s go out there and play hard. Nobody finna fight, — this ain’t WWE. At the end of the day, stand on the stuff that y’all say, so we’ll see tomorrow how they react.”
However, teammate Kelly Oubre Jr. came in support of Embiid’s and shared his thoughts as he addressed the media after the game during the press conference. According to Oubre Jr., the foul was not as significant as others were making it out to be and that the ups and downs are part of the game.
