Embiid aggression and expulsions of James Harden and Claxton

Los Philadephia 76ers they won 97-102 to the Brooklyn Nets to put 3-0 their first-round playoff series in one of the dirtiest games in NBA memory.

No team has come back from losing 3-0 in a playoff series 147 times, and the 76ers are already one win away from sealing a spot in the second round.

Tyrese Maxey, who was well supported by Embiid (14 points and 10 rebounds), led Philadelphia’s victory with 25 points and 5 triples.

Controversial expulsion of Harden for a blow to the groin to Royce O’Neale

James Harden was ejected in the third quarter for a Level 2 flagrant foul on Royce O’Neale. In the review of the play, the referees interpreted that Harden hit O’Neale in the groin.

“I didn’t even think it was my fault… that just, that can’t happen. It’s unacceptable.”complained Harden, who had 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 29 minutes after the game.

Monty McCutchen, NBA vice president of referee development, justified the referees’ decision: “The contact was in the groin and as such the referees made the decision that it was excessive and unnecessary, which by definition is a level two flagrant foul. and leads to expulsion.

Nic Claxton’s pique with Joel Embiid, who kicked from the ground

Prior to Harden’s ejection, the Nets were penalized for a flagrant foul for a Nic Claxton hit on Joel Embiid, who reacted by kicking the Brooklyn player from the ground and avoided the ejection by only being charged with a level 1 flagrant foul.

“I don’t know…I don’t remember. I’m too mature to put myself in a position where I’m going to get kicked out,” Embiid said of his kick to Claxton.

“He is the MVP. I thought he should have been kicked out”opined Claxton, who was punished with his first technique.

Nic Claxton was ejected for provoking Embiid after a dunk

Nic Claxton was later sent off after receiving his second technical foul for celebrating a dunk to provoke Embiid, who taunted his opponent as he left the field.

Nic Claxton to Joel Embiid drag a personal sting since the regular season.

“Nic Claxton said something he shouldn’t have said. That’s why when I got close to his face, I told him to say it to my face again. That’s why he looked away and didn’t say it again,” Embiid explained. .