PHILADELPHIA — 76ers star Joel Embiid was ejected in the second quarter against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday for berating an official after he was called for a charge against Victor Wembanyama in what was already an emotional, controversial game.
The Embiid ejection, which could come with greater consequences, took place with 2:59 left in the quarter after he barrelled into Wembanyama on his way to the hoop. Wembanyama, who had already compiled seven blocks in the game, was moving when the collision occurred but also appeared to be in front of Embiid.
After the whistle, Embiid became incensed and screamed at referee Jennifer Schroeder. She issued the ejection, and Embiid was so angry, he had to be restrained. If the NBA finds that Embiid made contact with Schroeder while arguing, the 7-footer and 2023 MVP could be suspended by the NBA — and the Sixers’ next game is on Christmas against the Boston Celtics.
Joel Embiid has been ejected for the second time in his career. pic.twitter.com/4ziLzv7S3V
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 24, 2024
The Sixers, who entered Monday with a disappointing 9-17 record in what has been a season full of injury and controversy, led the game 48-45 at halftime.
In the first quarter, Wembanyama appeared to hook Embiid on defense and there was no call — Embiid argued with Schroeder to demand a whistle.
Earlier in the second quarter, Schroeder attempted to eject backup 76ers center Andre Drummond for what she thought was an intentional trip on Wembanyama, who fell to the court. Replay showed that there was no intentional contact (if there was any contact at all) on Drummond’s part, and referees initially changed the call to a flop on Wembanyama. Then, without explanation, the refs revoked Drummond’s ejection and the Wemby flop.
Embiid, who has played in just eight games this season due to injury, had nine points at the time of the ejection. This was only the fifth game Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey — Philadelphia’s big 3 — played in a game together this season. In three of those games, at least one of them did not make it all the way through.
This story will be updated.
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(Photo: Emilee Chinn / Getty Images)
