Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid trade words early in Nets-76ers game

The words continued after the end of the first quarter:

The sort of heated talk between the players was to be expected. When their teams met earlier this season, there were words and gestures traded after the end of their teams’ respective wins.

Durant has tremendous respect for Embiid, and vice versa. So the heated confrontations and talk between them is a signal that they are in the middle of high-level competition.

Durant had a monster first half with 18 points, nine rebounds and five assists as Brooklyn took a 72-51 lead. Embiid had 21 points and eight rebounds at the half. But James Harden struggled with his shot and went 3-of-15 to begin the game.

Considering all the beef between the teams (they recently swapped stars Harden for Ben Simmons), fans would love to see a full seven-game playoff series between the squads.