Joel Embiid ejected in Philadelphia 76ers’ win over San Antonio Spurs

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid had teammate Tyrese Maxey to thank, following his ejection after confronting a female referee in the 76ers’ 111-106 win over San Antonio in a wild night of NBA action on Dec 23.

An expected big-man showdown between Cameroonian Embiid and France’s Victor Wembanyama ended late in the first half, leaving Maxey to produce 32 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in sparking the National Basketball Association (NBA) victory.

“It’s big time,” Maxey said of getting the win for Embiid. “We’re learning to play without him... We’ve got to change the game, come a little faster, play a little harder and gain rebounds.”

Embiid came onto the court after the game and hugged Maxey after the guard’s late surge with a steal, dunk, three-pointer and free throw in a game-ending 9-3 spell to deliver the home triumph.

“It’s love, man,” Maxey added. “That has been my big brother for a long time.”

Chaos started 3min 47sec into the second period when Wembanyama tumbled after contact with Philadelphia’s Andre Drummond, who was ejected for a second technical foul.

It was later overturned upon a video review to a “Wemby” flop foul, allowing Drummond back into the game.

Embiid was whistled for his third foul by referee Jenna Schroeder after charging into Wembanyama with 2:59 remaining in the first half and, after heated complaints to her, he was issued two technical fouls and ejected.

That sparked even more ire from Embiid, who ripped off the facial protective mask he wore for a sinus fracture and yelled his displeasure while being physically restrained from confronting the officials.

He exited after only nine points in 14 minutes.

“It was a wild first half,” Sixers coach Nick Nurse said.

Earlier in the day, the NBA announced that Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards was fined US$75,000 (S$102,000) for public criticism of officiating and using inappropriate and profane language.

Edwards made the remarks that drew the punishment following Minnesota’s 113-103 home loss to the Golden State Warriors on Dec 21.

It remains to be seen if there will be further action taken against Embiid.

NBA blocked-shots leader Wembanyama finished with 26 points, nine rebounds and eight blocked shots for the Spurs.

He swatted away four in the first quarter, three in its last 30 seconds, on his way to a career-best seven in the first half.

Elsewhere, an injury-hit Orlando Magic squad stunned NBA champions Boston Celtics 108-104, with Tristan da Silva’s 18 points leading a balanced attack for the hosts to pull off the upset despite 35 points for Boston by Jaylen Brown.

“This one’s for Mo,” said Orlando’s Jonathan Isaac, paying tribute to centre Mo Wagner, who suffered a season-ending left-knee injury last weekend.

NBA season leaders Cleveland improved to 26-4, matching the best 30-game start in club history, with a 124-113 home victory over the Utah Jazz.

The Cavs, on a five-game win streak, improved to 16-1 at home as Darius Garland had 23 points while Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley each added 22.

While fans waited through a basket replacement delay before the start, Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen swished a half-court shot with his back to the basket.

The Cavs are the NBA’s most accurate shooting team from the floor and three-point range.

Hosts Oklahoma City’s win streak stretched to eight games with a 123-105 home victory over NBA-worst Washington. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the triumphant Western Conference-leading Thunder (23-5) with 41 points.

Despite NBA scoring leader Giannis Antetokounmpo out with back spasms and Damian Lillard sidelined by illness, the Milwaukee Bucks won 112-91 at Chicago behind 21 points each by Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez and 19 points and 13 rebounds by Bobby Portis. AFP