Joel Embiid Booed By 76ers Fans After Making Ridiculous Mistake That Cost His Team A Win

Joel Embiid was booed by Philadelphia 76ers fans after ignoring a wide-open game-winning three-pointer in a loss to the Toronto Raptors.

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Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

The Philadelphia 76ers‘ attempts at a Playoff push were dealt a big blow last night as they fell to a 103-106 loss at home to the Toronto Raptors with Joel Embiid in the lineup. The loss could have been avoided as well, with Embiid wide-open at the top of the key for a game-winning three-pointer.

Instead of shooting, Embiid hesitated and dribbled into traffic, getting stripped by Scottie Barnes as the 76ers fell to a 20-33 record on the season. The 76ers fans were not happy with Embiid, booing the former MVP out of the arena.

This was a bizarre move by Embiid. He’s a 33.3% three-point shooter this season, attempting 4.1 attempts a game. While he’s not a voluminous shooter for his position, that sort of open shot is one someone with Embiid’s ability needs to try each time he gets that opportunity. It was stunning to see him dribble into the defense and try to generate a foul instead of attempting the open look.

Embiid put up 27 points (8-19 FG) and 12 rebounds in the loss, with co-stars Paul George (14 PTS) and Tyrese Maxey (5 PTS) combining for 19 points on 6-21 shooting from the field.

Many people are trying to explain what Embiid did. He likely wasn’t confident in his shot and wanted to give himself a chance to take the game to OT by moving closer to the basket. He’s a center so this is an instinct, although Embiid just seemed indecisive and had a very loose handle on his move.

Some believe that Embiid was trying to generate a shooting foul on a potential game-ending possession, which would exhibit horrible IQ from the center. Referees avoid ending games on foul calls, so unless Embiid was blatantly hacked by his defenders, it would be hard for him to get a call in that situation.

Nonetheless, an MVP-winning player is expected to go for the win at all times. Even when LeBron James has mistakes in final possessions, it’s because he made a pass to an open shooter who missed or missed a clutch shot himself. Stars live with these decisions, but Embiid looked frazzled at the moment and made an indecisive move.

Embiid is averaging 24.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists this season. This was just his 16th game of the season, with the 76ers now needing every game he can play to dig themselves out of 13 games under .500. They’re currently the No. 11 seed in the Conference and are still expected to surpass the Chicago Bulls for the No. 10 seed. 

Fans of the 76ers are upset with the actions of their MVP center. This has come at a bad time, especially with Embiid believed to be needing more time off to heal his knee and recently getting furious on-court with Kelly Oubre Jr

The 76ers are reportedly dissatisfied with Embiid’s fledgling availability and the fanbase is turning on him for making crucial mistakes when he is available.

Unless we see Embiid return to MVP form, trying to make the Playoffs might be a lost cause for the 76ers who owe their first-round pick this season to the OKC Thunder (top-six protected) unless they can tank their way into the top six of the Draft at this point, which is unlikely.

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Ishaan Bhattacharya is a content manager for Fadeaway World from New Delhi, India. With his expertise in NBA content creation, Ishaan brings a wealth of experience to his role, contributing to the site's authority and reach within the basketball community. Over the last year, Ishaan has interviewed Ray Allen and Mark Tatum, while also covering the 2023 NBA Abu Dhabi Games which saw the Dallas Mavericks take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.Since joining Fadeaway World in March 2022, Ishaan Bhattacharya has become known for his unique perspective on the NBA. He consistently delivers this insight through his daily news coverage and detailed opinion pieces on the most significant topics in the league.Before his tenure at Fadeaway World, Ishaan worked in corporate communications, where he serviced prominent sports brands, including NBA India, Sports18, Amazon Prime Sports, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. This experience in strategic communications for leading sports entities has enhanced his ability to craft impactful narratives and connect with a global audience.A true MFFLer (Mavs Fan for Life, for the uninitiated), Ishaan is a massive fan of the Dallas Mavericks. When he is not upset about Jalen Brunson walking in free agency, you can see Ishaan as an avid gamer and content creator. His passion for basketball extends beyond the Mavericks, as evidenced by his thoughtfully curated NBA Mount Rushmore, featuring LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell—each representing distinct eras and bringing their unique qualities to the game.Featured On: ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Bleacher ReportYahoo Sports, NBA, Fox Sports, The Spun
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