The NBA playoffs are really where games become more intense. In the heat of the moment during game 3 of the first-round matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets, Joel Embiid and Nic Claxton had an altercation in the first quarter. After Claxton dunked on Embiid, the latter seemingly kicked the Nets’ center in the groin. With his actions, is Joel Embiid going to be suspended for game 4?
Will Joel Embiid be suspended for game 4?
Just less than three minutes into the first quarter, Nic Claxton made an emphatic slam dunk via a lob pass from Mikal Bridges. In that play, Joel Embiid was under the basket. Due to the tense playoff game, Claxton stared down Embiid and stepped over him. That could have resulted in JoJo extending his leg and kicking Claxton in the lower body.
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Joel Embiid extended his leg as Nic Claxton stepped over him.
Embiid received a flagrant 1 foul. pic.twitter.com/Ku7yQ4MvLq
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 20, 2023
Even with his actions, Joel Embiid was not ejected. Instead of an automatic ejection, the MVP frontrunner only received a flagrant foul 1. On the other hand, Claxton received a controversial technical foul. Meanwhile, the Sixers went on to win game 3 (102-97) and lead the series 3-0 against the Nets.
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Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and other NBA fans believe that Joel Embiid’s kick was worse than Draymond Green’s stomp
NBA Legends and TNT hosts Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley share their thoughts regarding the Joel Embiid and Nic Claxton altercation. The two analysts agreed that just like what happened to Draymond Green, Joel Embiid must also be held accountable for his actions, hence Embiid receiving a suspension.
NBA fans are also baffled that Joel Embiid was not even ejected from the game while Draymond Green was ejected and then suspended for 1 game. As we all remember, Green stomped on Domantas Sabonis’ ribs during game 2 of the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings playoff match earlier this week. After the NBA executives discussed the incident, they agreed on the decision to give Green a 1-game suspension after allegedly intentionally stepping on Domantas’ chest. NBA’s Executive Vice President Joe Dumars explained during an interview with ESPN about the said suspension.
NBA Executive Vice President Joe Dumars shed some light on the decision to suspend Draymond Green with @malika_andrews:
"It was a debate throughout the office all day yesterday on this. It wasn't a quick or easy or light decision." pic.twitter.com/Xuixs6Qr4x
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 19, 2023
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As of this writing, Joe Dumars and the whole organization have not mentioned a possible suspension for Joel Embiid.
No information has come to light on whether Embiid is clear to play for game 4 or if he will be suspended for a game or two. Following the recent incident, there is a piece of news circulating on Twitter that Joe Dumars (NBA Executive VP) is not suspending Embiid. However, this is not true. The bearer of the fake news is a parody account of Joe Dumars. Prior to game 4, there is no official statement on Joel Embiid’s case yet.
I will not be suspending Philadelphia 76ers Center Joel Embiid for game 4. After reviewing the replays I have determined that Joel is not playing the Sacramento Kings and therefore a suspension is not warranted.
— Cement or Soil (@CementOrSoil) April 20, 2023
Is it just right to suspend Joel Embiid? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. For more content, stay with us, here at Spiel Times.
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