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via Imago

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Victor Wembanyama’s dramatic dive on Monday had everyone talking—was it a foul or a flair for the dramatic? The result: The referee ejected Andre Drummond for barely making contact. The Philadelphia 76ers vs. San Antonio Spurs showdown almost turned into a full-blown gladiator battle. Throw in some questionable calls from referee Jenna Schroeder, and the drama went into overdrive.

However, Schroeder must have sensed Santa’s eyes (and the league officials’) on her, as she later confessed to Sixers head coach Nick Nurse, “I f***ed up.” In a twist straight out of a holiday movie, she let Drummond return from the locker room and back into the chaos, turning Philly’s already wild night into a true spectacle.

Sure enough, the replay revealed the 7-foot-3 Wembanyama flopping, setting the stage for an awkward moment. The female referee sheepishly admitted her mistake to the Sixers bench, revealing she wouldn’t issue any technical fouls and that Drummond could return from the locker room.

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Following the ruckus, the San Antonio Spurs superstar, Wemby reflected on his ‘unsportsmanlike’ flop technical which was of course rescinded. He just stepped on my foot…I just got tripped. Didn’t mean to fall. I didn’t expect the foul to even be called. I just fell,” Victor Wembanyama admitted

 

Andre Drummond’s return to the court felt like a hero’s entry in a blockbuster movie. Loud cheers filled the Wells Fargo Center. Despite the chaos of Monday night in Philly, the Sixers had the last laugh at “The Ref Show,” securing a 111-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. They proved that even a dramatic officiating fiasco can’t stop them from winning.

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Did Wembanyama's flop tarnish his reputation, or was it just a rookie mistake under pressure?

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But now, Wemby is under fire from the NBA audience for flopping on the court on Monday. They find it hard to believe that the French prodigy who’s known for his clean games could do something THIS awkward.

Looking into Andre Drummond vs Victor Wembanyama ft. Jenna Schroeder

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The incident started with Drummond wrapping his arms around Victor Wembanyama in a block, causing the French star to trip and draw a whistle. Moments later, the Spurs star dramatically flopped onto his back, leading to a potential technical for Drummond and his ejection. Forced to the locker room, Drummond’s night seemed over—until officials realized Wemby had “flopped.” It was a bad call from the referee Jenna Schroeder, who was already in some muddy waters throughout the game. She realized her fault and immediately revoked her decision.

Thus donning his 76ers jersey back on, Andre Drummond walked into the arena amidst standing ovations. Drummond didn’t mean to hurt his 20-year-old rival, but officials struggled to assess the situation in real time. A verbal altercation moments before the incident likely influenced the match officials to believe that Drummond maliciously shoved Wemby.

via Imago

Moreover, in a post-game report, Curt Blair clarified: “After review, it was determined that Drummond stepped on Wembanyama’s foot, and it was deemed incidental contact….Wemby tripped over Drummond’s foot.”

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So, that was one hell of a game! Victor Wembanyama’s flop, two major ejections for the Sixers, one comeback, and endless drama. That’s the simplest way to summarize the 76ers vs Spurs game for you. In what ended in a 111-106 win for Philly was nothing less than the cherry on the cake. However, one important thing to note is the referee’s decision, as it’s not just one game we’re discussing. What will the NBA do about it? What do you think?

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Did Wembanyama's flop tarnish his reputation, or was it just a rookie mistake under pressure?