Joel Embiid gets thrown out after delivering nuclear meltdown on refs

Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid was ejected in heated scenes as he launched a scathing tirade over one questionable play.

Joel Embiid was ejected in heated scenes after the Philadelphia 76ers superstar picked up two technical fouls in Tuesday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs.

The incident in question came with three minutes left in the second quarter as Embiid drove at Spurs second-year big man Victor Wembanyama, who was sent crashing to the floor.

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Embiid was called for the offensive foul and went straight at the officials, even taking his mask off to shout at them before picking up a pair of technical fouls and being ejected by Jenna Schroeder.

“Joel has got to be careful. He’s getting real heated now,” 76ers play-by-play commentator Kate Scott said.

“This is unbelievable ... this is Mickey Mouse,” added former NBA player Alaa Abdelnaby.

“This isn’t real. This is a joke.”

Embiid exploded on the refs. Emilee Chinn/Getty Images/AFP

Embiid was actually the second 76ers player to be ejected from Tuesday’s game, although in bizarre scenes Andre Drummond was reinstated into the game after the referees reversed the call.

That incident came early in the second quarter after Wembanyama drew a foul on Drummond during an out of bounds play by just falling down. The Sixers big man was assessed a technical after it happened again shortly after.

And when it happened a third time, Drummond was given another technical and tossed. But replays clearly showed Wembanyama had just tripped, with Drummond telling the former first overall pick “that’s soft”.

All-time ridiculous ejection on Andre Drummond just now.

— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) December 24, 2024

Sixers coach Nick Nurse was fuming at the decision, while Spurs veteran guard Chris Paul even told the referees Wembanyama had tripped in a classy attempt to get Drummond back in the game.

“Oh my goodness. I’m glad I don’t play in this league now,” Abdelnaby said.

“Sometimes as much as I love this game and I love this league, it can be very disappointing being a fan watching these games because that’s what you come away with?”

“What are they going to do? Let Andre come back from the locker room now? It’s ridiculous. What’s done is done. She was decisive with her throwing him out.”

Embiid did not hold back. Emilee Chinn/Getty Images/AFP

Despite losing Embiid before halftime, the Sixers claimed the 111-106 victory with Tyrese Maxey leading the way with 32 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists.

Wembanyama was at his defensive best as he finished the contest with 26 points, 9 rebounds and a staggering 8 blocks.

NBA SCORES

Sixers def Spurs 111-106

Cavs def Jazz 124-113

Rockets def Hornets 114-101

Knicks def Raptors 139-125

Heat def Nets 110-95

Hawks def Wolves 117-104

Thunder def Wizards 123-105

Clippers def Grizzlies 114-110

Bucks def Bulls 112-91

Mavs def Blazers 132-108

Magic def Celtics 108-104

Originally published as Joel Embiid gets thrown out after delivering nuclear meltdown on refs