76ers' Embiid takes jab at Nets HC after Game 2 win

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts after a score against the Brooklyn Nets during the third quarter in game two of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

76ers' Joel Embiid takes jab at Nets HC after Game 2 win

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 4/18/23

Joel Embiid took a jab at the Brooklyn Nets after his Philadelphia 76ers’ 96-84 win in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Monday night.

Embiid had 20 points, 19 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks in his team’s victory at home to put the Sixers up 2-0 in the series. After the game, Embiid spoke with the media and was his usual cheeky self. One thing he made note of was how the Nets complained about calls after Saturday’s Game 1.

Nets coach Jacque Vaughn complained about the lack of traveling and three-second violations he felt Embiid committed in Game 1.

Embiid returned fire on Monday. He zinged the Nets for begging for calls after Game 1 and calling out referees.

Joel Embiid: "I saw after the game last time, they kinda took the Nick Nurse route of begging for free throws and calling out the referees. And they did come out and they got a lot of calls, which I guess is good for them." pic.twitter.com/2OcRaxWmFL

— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) April 18, 2023

“I saw after the game last time, they kinda took the Nick Nurse route of begging for free throws and calling out the referees. And they did come out and they got a lot of calls, which I guess is good for them,” Embiid said.

The Nets got some calls and attempted 17 free throws to Philly’s 16 despite the game being at the Wells Fargo Center.

Embiid was in top form in his postgame press conference. He also zinged the Memphis Grizzlies’ scorekeeper over the three blocks he was credited for in the game.

Joel Embiid: "I don't remember getting dunked on."

"I had, what, 3 blocks? Only 3 blocks? I probably need the Memphis scorekeeper. What was it, Denver, Memphis, whatever?" pic.twitter.com/ax1pHK9jxB

— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) April 18, 2023

That was an allusion to the rumor that the Grizzlies’ scorekeeper was juicing the blocks stats for Jaren Jackson Jr., who on Monday was named NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

The series heads to Brooklyn for Game 3 on Thursday.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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