In an intense game on Monday night, the Philadelphia 76ers secured a 111-106 win over the San Antonio Spurs, but not without drama as star player Joel Embiid faced ejection and a bizarre officiating situation. The first half was chaotic, highlighted by Embiid receiving two quick technical fouls after expressing his outrage over a charging call against Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama.
With just under three minutes left in the second quarter, Embiid attempted to drive to the basket but was called for a charging foul after making contact with Wembanyama, who fell to the court. Embiid’s animated response led referee Jenna Schroeder to issue him a technical foul, and as he approached the bench—still clearly upset—Embiid was hit with a second technical, resulting in his ejection. This marked the second time in his career that the 76ers’ center was sent off from a game.
After the game, Curtis Blair, the crew chief, explained that there was incidental contact between Embiid and the official and confirmed that there was no reason for additional punishment. Coach Nick Nurse expressed his frustration about not receiving a direct explanation for Embiid’s ejection, simply assuming it was due to the argument.
The night also saw teammate Andre Drummond initially ejected for a technical foul after a confrontation with Wembanyama. However, after a video review, the officials rescinded Drummond’s ejection, which was attributed to incidental contact. This series of events led to a bewildered atmosphere, with Nurse remarking on the strangeness of the officiating during the game.
Despite the tumultuous first half, Maxey stepped up for the 76ers, scoring 32 points and making crucial plays to secure the win. Embiid, returning from a sinus fracture and donning a protective mask, had a quiet game with just nine points in 14 minutes but was seen celebrating post-game with teammates, suggesting a strong team spirit and resilience.
Wembanyama, who faced relentless booing from the Philadelphia crowd, ended the night with 26 points, nine rebounds, and eight blocks. He, along with Spurs coach Mitch Johnson, acknowledged the oddity of the calls made during the game, indicating a mutual sentiment about the officiating.
While the game had its share of controversy, the 76ers emerged victorious, highlighting their ability to rally and overcome adversity. The team’s cohesion and capability to perform under pressure offer a hopeful outlook for the remainder of the season, especially as Embiid looks to bounce back from his ejection and regain his top form.