Game 3 between the Knicks and the Sixers turned contentious as Sixers star Joel Embiid received a flagrant foul for his actions toward Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson. The incident sparked a heated exchange, with players from both teams getting involved in a scuffle.
Following the game, Knicks legend Charles Oakley expressed his disapproval of Embiid’s actions, stating, “I probably would have smacked him.”
Oakley criticized Embiid’s behavior, highlighting the need to stand up against such tactics and suggesting that players like David Robinson would have responded differently in his era.
Joel Embiid receives a flagrant foul in Game 3
Embiid’s foul has drawn widespread criticism, with Knicks players labeling him as “dirty” for his actions. The incident occurred in the first half of the game, with Embiid defending his actions as self-defense amidst the controversy.
Despite the backlash, Embiid maintains that his actions were intended to protect himself from potential harm. The incident adds fuel to the ongoing rivalry between the Knicks and the Sixers, underscoring the intensity of playoff basketball.
In response to the criticism, Embiid stated, “What are you going to do?” to players confronting him after the foul. However, Oakley’s comments reflect a sentiment of frustration among former players towards what they perceive as unsportsmanlike conduct.
The altercation highlights the physical nature of playoff basketball and the importance of maintaining composure amidst heightened emotions. As the series progresses, tensions are likely to remain high, with both teams vying for victory and seeking to gain a competitive edge.