THTP: Joel Embiid fined $75K for delivering lovely Christmas ‘gestures’ to Celtics fans

Joel Embiid had himself a night on Christmas Day—27 points, nine rebounds, a road win over the Boston Celtics, and one very expensive holiday fine.

The NBA slapped Embiid with a $75,000 fine for making an obscene gesture during the first half of the team’s 118-114 win at TD Garden.

NBA Fines Joel Embiid $75,000 for “Obscene Gesture” to Celtics Fans…lol

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/TaIkZWbfeO

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 28, 2024

D-Generation X Continues to Live Rent-Free in Adam Silver’s Alien Brain

If you’ve followed Embiid’s career, this isn’t exactly shocking behavior. The big man has paid homage to WWE’s legendary stable, D-Generation X, in the past, breaking out their iconic crotch chop to the delight of fans (and the dismay of the NBA’s league office).

https://twitter.com/Ky_Carlin/status/1872045461395423427

Embiid was fined $35,000 for the same move earlier this season against the Trail Blazers, but apparently, $75K was the going rate on Christmas. Whether it was the DX chop or another festive flourish that pushed Adam Silver’s buttons this time, Embiid’s wallet is feeling the pain.

The Liberty Line has 5 PAGES of articles on Embiid fines lol. Madness >>

As if the DX chop weren’t enough, Embiid capped off his night of antics by hitting a deep three to close the first half, putting the Sixers up 66-58, and celebrating with yet another gesture that left Celtics fans fuming.

This was probably the one…lol

Embiid cashes from three before halftime 💰

Philly up 66-58 on Boston 🔔 pic.twitter.com/WVdpF0L1Vh

— ESPN (@espn) December 25, 2024

Caleb Martin and Joel Embiid send a message: Everybody Hates Boston

To add salt to the wound, Embiid waved goodbye to the Boston faithful as the Sixers sealed the win—a chef’s kiss of trolling on a day meant for giving.

https://twitter.com/BleacherReport/status/1872078321502113873

Joel Embiid back on Demon Time is Fantastic for the 76ers

While the fine will dominate the headlines, the bigger story is Embiid’s resurgence. After missing most of the season with knee issues and sitting three games following a postgame incident with a reporter, the reigning MVP is back—and the Sixers are rolling.

Philadelphia has now won eight of their last 11 games, climbing out of the basement of the Eastern Conference and showing signs of life. At 11-17, they’re not where they want to be, but with Embiid healthy, anything feels possible.

What’s Next for the Sixers?

The Sixers will take their newfound momentum to Utah on Saturday, where they’ll face the Jazz. As for Embiid, don’t expect him to tone it down anytime soon. He’s made a career out of playing with emotion and swagger, and fines or no fines, that’s not going away.

So, Celtics fans might feel vindicated by the NBA’s punishment, but let’s be honest: Joel Embiid won Christmas. And $75,000? That’s just the price of doing business when you’re the most hated NBA player on Planet Earth.

Full timeline of Joel Embiid’s injuries and why he’s basically living in a Final Destination movie

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