Death, taxes, and NBA head coaches complaining about Joel Embiid and foul calls.

Last night, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 118-109, guided by Joel Embiid who dominated yet again, scoring 36 points with 18 rebounds, and four blocks to lead the Sixers to victory.

It was Embiid’s 24th 35+ point game this season, the most by a center since Moses Malone’s 25-game stretch in the 1981-1982 season.

As I’ve noted before, Malone won the MVP Award that season and after last night, sports books have taken notice, with Embiid now listed as the favorite to take home the award this season at +100. 

Of course, nothing involving Joel Embiid comes without controversy. 

With just over four minutes left in the game, the Philadelphia 76ers found themselves in a bit of trouble last night, with Joel Embiid getting called for an offensive foul, which would have caused the MVP-frontrunner to foul out of the game. 

Doc Rivers called a timeout and challenged the call and after a review, the officials overturned the call to a “non-call” which meant that the basket Embiid made counted, and he was able to remain in the game to help close out the Sixers’ win over the Cavs. 

Joel Embiid Foul Call Overturned

After the game, Embiid spoke in detail about the overturned foul call, while throwing a little shade at Giannis who is known for playing like a running back and “truck-sticking” defenders while not getting called for fouls. 

Joel Embiid on the Overturned Foul Call

“I think it was a good call. I never extended my arm and I never really put a lot of pressure into hitting him. And you could tell right before the hit, he was trying to flop and fall.”

“I didn’t think I had extended anything. I watch basketball every day. And based on the way, those are officiated — We got some guys that basically play like running backs in this league that get that call all the time — I was pretty confident.”

Embiid wasn’t the only one who commented on the overturned call. Cavaliers head coach JB Bickerstaff, who’s made a name for himself bitching about Embiid and foul calls over the past few years, also commented on the play. 

JB Bickerstaff was “disgusted” with officiating

It was a helluva charge to get Embiid his sixth foul. He did a helluva job. It’s clear as day that’s a charge. There’s no doubt about it. The call was made on the floor. He stands in between him and the basket. He lowered the shoulder. I thought Evan competed and laid it all out on the line. Guys oughta be rewarded for that. You know what I mean? Like if you’re willing to stick your nose in there, sacrifice your body, you oughta be rewarded for the correct play.

Last season, Bickerstaff complained to the media after the Sixers’ swept the Cavaliers in the regular season behind Embiid dropping 44 points with 17 rebounds, 5 blocks, and 3 assists. 

Bickerstaff was then fined $15K by the NBA for crying about officiating.

Here’s the thing…

No one can stop Joel Embiid and time and time again, players, coaches, and media members just go back to fouls and Joel Embiid being a foul merchant.

It’s all bullshit.

Imagine if Embiid didn’t get fouled, while putting up numbers like this, when he does get fouled. 

Joel Embiid’s Last 14 Games

• 36 PTS, 18 REB, 3 AST, 63% FG
• 34 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST, 57% FG
• 39 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 65% FG
• 39 PTS, 7 REB, 4 AST, 59% FG
• 42 PTS, 5 REB, 3 AST, 68% FG
• 31 PTS, 6 REB, 10 AST, 50% FG
• 35 PTS, 8 REB, 2 STL, 62% FG
• 27 PTS, 12 REB, 2 AST, 58% FG
• 41 PTS, 12 REB, 5 AST, 57% FG
• 27 PTS, 19 REB, 6 AST, 6 BLK
• 29 PTS, 14 REB, 5 AST, 2 STL
• 23 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST, 57% FG
• 37 PTS, 13 REB, 2 AST, 66% FG
• 35 PTS, 11 REB, 6 AST, 77% FG

With the win, the Sixers improved to 46-22 on the season. They are now just 3.5 games behind the first place Milwaukee Bucks and only a game behind the second place Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Standings. 

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