Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid faced a challenging night during Monday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs, as he was ejected in the first half for receiving two technical fouls. The ejection occurred with 2:59 remaining in the second quarter, after Embiid argued with officiating referee Jenna Schroeder, who issued the first technical foul. Following a brief exchange that escalated, Embiid received a second technical foul, resulting in his ejection from the game.
Embiid’s reaction to the ejection was one of frustration, as he charged towards the officials before being calmed down by his teammate Kyle Lowry, head coach Nick Nurse, and several staff members.
This incident is particularly significant for Embiid, who has already had a challenging season. He was playing in just his eighth game of the season, having previously missed time due to left knee soreness, a suspension from an incident with a reporter, and a sinus fracture he sustained on December 10. Monday’s matchup was only the fifth time this season that Philadelphia’s core trio, including Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey, took the court together.
During his brief playtime, Embiid scored nine points and grabbed three rebounds, shooting only 2 for 8 from the field while donning a protective mask from his recent sinus injury. This performance was a stark contrast to a past encounter between Embiid and Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, where Embiid scored an impressive 70 points, setting a franchise record.
In the moments leading up to Embiid’s ejection, he was also called for an offensive foul, which may have contributed to the tensions with Schroeder. The game saw one other ejection during the first quarter when Andre Drummond was initially thrown out for a foul on Wembanyama, but that decision was later overturned upon review.
Despite the bumps in the road this season, the 76ers still have a chance to rally together as they navigate challenges. Embiid’s return from injuries shows promise for the team, and with their Big Three finally on the floor together, there is hope that they can find their rhythm and strengthen their performance as the season advances.
In summary, while Embiid’s ejection added to the frustration of his injury-stricken season and the game itself, there are still bright spots for the squad. If the team can overcome these setbacks, they may find success as they continue to build chemistry and adjust.