Joel Embiid ejection spoils showdown with Victor Wembanyama

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Joel Embiid ejection spoils showdown with Spurs' Victor Wembanyama

By Eric Smithling | Last updated Dec 23, 2024 9:33 PM ET

Monday's big NBA showdown between 76ers center Joel Embiid and Spurs center Victor Wembanyama was spoiled when Embiid was ejected in the second quarter following a double-tech.

Embiid was called for an offensive foul after colliding with Wembanyama and confronted the ref who called the foul.

Embiid received an initial technical foul for arguing about the call, then another after he continued angrily protesting the foul.

Joel Embiid has been ejected for the second time in his career. pic.twitter.com/4ziLzv7S3V
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 24, 2024

His outburst ended the hyped Monday battle between elite NBA bigs.

Embiid played just 14 minutes, going 2-of-8 for nine points.

In their first meeting on January 22, 2024, both put on shows.

Wembanyama was 10-for-19 for 33 points, seven rebounds and two assists.

But those numbers were quaint next to Embiid's epic performance. He finished that one 24-of-41 for 70 points, 18 rebounds, five assists, one block, and one steal.

The 76ers still came away victorious on Monday despite the officiating becoming the main storyline. They improved to 10-17 with a 111-106 win.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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