It wouldn’t have been strange for the Philadelphia 76ers to buckle against the pressure the New York Knicks were putting on them in Game 5. They were playing at the Madison Square Garden while down three games. In such a hostile environment, it would have made sense to just roll over.
However, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and the rest of the Sixers put up an incredible effort to force a win against the Knicks. The rest of the team provided enough support to force a Game 6 back in Philly to place the Knicks in uncomfortable territory.
While Embiid put up an incredible performance at the Garden, it doesn’t come without controversy. His actions against Jalen Brunson in overtime had plenty of Knicks fans complaining about his rough play.
Fans rage after Joel Embiid’s rough foul on Jalen Brunson during the Philadelphia 76ers’ OT win
During the frenzy that was Game 5’s overtime period, the Sixers big man attempted to block Jalen Brunson from making a shot. However, he hit the Knicks star in the face. The call was reviewed and Embiid was slapped with a Flagrant 1.
Fans argued whether Embiid did the foul intentionally in his desperation to keep his Sixers in the game. Per The Spun’s Andrew McCarty:
“Why is this fraud still not suspended,” said one fan.
“Gotta respect Embiid acting like he did nothing wrong after he smacked Brunson right in the face,” joked another.
“Embiid clearly smacks Brunson in the face/on the head then acts like he doesn’t know what he’s doing and how could it be a foul. Does this stuff time after time,” said a third.
Others argued that the NBA was too soft for punishing defenders who are doing what they’re supposed to do:
“The NBA is so soft. Elimination playoff basketball. Swiping down at the ball. Pathetic,” said one fan.
“This shouldn’t be a flagrant 1 in the playoffs under any circumstances,” added another.
“This is a natural swipe down for the ball where Brunson positioned his face in the line of embiid’s hand,” joked a third.
While the online arguments will persist, it’s clear that Embiid put up a monster performance to stop the Knicks. He finished the game with 19 points, 16 boards, 10 assists, one steal, and four blocks.
Philadelphia 76ers fans hope that Embiid will keep this level of production up until they finally win the series in seven games.
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