Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was ejected for two technical fouls in the first half of Monday night’s game against San Antonio.
With 2:59 left in the second quarter, referee Jenna Schroder ejected Embiid. The seven-time All-Star received his first technical for an altercation with Schroder, received a second technical from Schroder before game time expired, and was ejected. Embiid was close to Schroder, but it wasn’t clear from replays whether he made contact with Schroder.
An enraged Embiid lunged at officials after being ejected, but was stopped by teammate Kyle Lowry, coach Nick Nurse and several assistants.
It’s been a testing season for Embiid. He only played in his eighth game, but missed many games due to left knee pain, including suspension for three games due to an altercation with a reporter in the locker room and another on Dec. 10. He was suspended due to a sinus fracture. Monday’s game was just the fifth game. Philadelphia’s big three, Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, all started.
Embiid, playing while wearing a mask in just his second game since suffering a sinus fracture, had nine points, three rebounds and 2-of-8 shooting in 14 minutes, 22 seconds. This matchup with Spurs center Victor Wembaneyama was much different than the first matchup between the 7-footers. On January 22 of last year, Embiid set a Sixers franchise record with 70 points in a 133-123 win over the Spurs in Philadelphia.
In the game, Embiid made 24-of-41 field goals, 21-of-23 free throws, 18 rebounds and five assists. Wenbanyama scored 33 points in the first match.
On Monday, Embiid showed the same aggressiveness from his first encounter as he moved right toward Wembangyama early on. But for most of his short stay, the Sixers star looked rusty. Just before being ejected, Embiid was whistled for an offensive foul and got into an argument with Schröder.
It was Schroder’s second ejection of the quarter, but the first was reversed.
With 8:13 left in the period, Schroder ejected Philadelphia’s Andre Drummond for a clear foul on Wenbanyama. However, after a video review, officials rescinded the expulsion. They then first judged Wenbanyama with a technical foul for flopping. Maxey made the shot and the free throw, and the points went on the scoreboard, but the referee reversed the technical, revoked the points, and restarted the game.
Embiid, a two-time NBA leading scorer, averaged 22.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.6 assists. Philadelphia had two wins and five losses in seven games played.
Reported by Associated Press.
[Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.]
Get more information from the National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to stay informed about games, news and more
