USA Today via Reuters
Mar 7, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts after a score against the Chicago Bulls during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 7, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts after a score against the Chicago Bulls during the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The 76ers and Raptors series took a turn in game 4. The Sixers were leading 3-0 in the series, though after a tough fought match, Raptors came out victorious. In game 4, Philly did not do a great job on the offense. Players were slow and so was the ball movement.
The Raptors were playing with injured players as well. Fred VanVleet and Scottie Barnes were both injured, though Barnes still managed to play. The game didn’t seem on the Sixers’ side, as players were upset with the referees after the game. Embiid even mocked the refs after the game.
Joel Embiid was fined for giving the refs a round of applause
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The Raptors had a great momentum all game long. Though the Sixers’ offense wasn’t connecting so well. Embiid and Harden were upset with quite a few calls during the game, but luckily were not given a technical after their frustration. After the game, Embiid clapped for the refs as he was going into the locker room. His behavior was not neglected, as he was fined $15,000. NBA Twitter recalled all the exchanges that happened during the game.
https://twitter.com/Boness305/status/1518636572639469569?s=20&t=ngXVyjO00Z6FcpG1wGuQhg
But Nick Nurse can say whatever he wants
— Luke Schimeneck🇺🇸🇫🇷 (@LukeSchimeneck) April 25, 2022
https://twitter.com/nothin_but_pain/status/1518636634186698754?s=20&t=ngXVyjO00Z6FcpG1wGuQhg
Not the first time Joel has openly criticized his teammates
— LaMikeBallBurner (@LaMikeBurner) April 25, 2022
soft
— ✰ (@malikdontcap) April 25, 2022
i don’t know what he even said but to fine someone for “criticism” sounds like taking away freedom of speech lol. was his criticism constructive?
— ًJ (@amukiia) April 25, 2022
The NBA should start fining officials as well
— Austin Hepola (@AustinHepola) April 25, 2022
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Nick Nurse apparently had exchanged a few words with the referees, but unlike Embiid, he was not fined. The Raptors definitely got the best out of the Sixers, as Siakam went off for 34 points and 8 rebounds. Whereas for the Sixers, Harden led the team in scoring, putting up 22 points.
READ MORE: James Harden and Joel Embiid?s Heated Exchange With Their Own Teammate Sends NBA Fans in a Tailspin
The Sixers now have a great chance to close out the series at home in game 5. Toronto might miss their starter, as Fred VanVleet is questionable for game 5. Not only that but playing an away game, with Siakam and Gary Trent as their primary scorers might be risky for the Raps. It will be interesting to see if Toronto can force game 6 and try to come back in the series.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Humble Joel Embiid Confesses Thinking 76ers Were ?Crazy? to Offer Him a $150 Million Extension
Do you think the Sixers will close out in game 5? Do let us know in the comments below.
