Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch expressed frustration with the officiating during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers, particularly regarding the treatment of Joel Embiid. Finch was caught on camera yelling at an official, saying, “Quit protecting him!” in reference to Embiid.
Chris Finch to one of the officials with Embiid in ear shot: "Quit protecting him!"
— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) December 21, 2023
Embiid’s ability to draw fouls has been a significant factor in his scoring output, averaging 11.7 free throw attempts per game, where he converts 89.3% from the charity stripe. He is averaging 35.1 points per game, and if you take away his free throws, he would average 24.6 points per game.
In the game against the Timberwolves, Embiid showcased his scoring prowess by putting up 51 points, with 17 of those coming from free throws.
Despite the Timberwolves‘ awareness of the officiating crew’s tendency to call fouls, they found themselves on the losing end of a 127-113 game. The frustration was evident among the players, with Anthony Edwards expressing awe at Embiid’s performance and stating that he was unstoppable.
The game took a turn in the fourth quarter when Embiid, with 15 points from Tyrese Maxey, led the 76ers to a decisive 37-26 quarter, securing the victory. Karl-Anthony Towns had a solid performance for the Timberwolves with 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Edwards contributed 27 points.
Rudy Gobert, who was in foul trouble throughout the game, voiced his frustration with the officiating, stating that the early fouls disrupted his ability to defend against Embiid effectively. Gobert expressed concern about the inconsistency in how he is officiated, feeling that he is unfairly targeted with quick fouls while not receiving calls on the offensive end.
The comments from Gobert, Finch, and Edwards resulted in technical fouls for the latter two, and Gobert might face scrutiny from the league office for his remarks. Despite the Timberwolves’ grievances about the officiating, the 76ers‘ efficient offense, led by Embiid, ultimately secured the win.
Joel Embiid’s Regular Season Game Doesn’t Translate To The Playoffs
Joel Embiid’s regular-season dominance has been a highlight of his career, but concerns arise when examining how his style of play translates to the playoffs. The playoffs often present a different environment, with referees being known to swallow their whistles, making it challenging for players who rely heavily on drawing fouls.
Embiid’s game is characterized by its flary and flamboyant nature, a departure from the traditional dominant center style exemplified by players like Shaquille O’Neal, who excelled in the paint. Embiid’s versatility extends beyond the post, incorporating mid-range jumpers and three-point shooting into his offensive repertoire.
In the 2022-2023 regular season, Embiid’s MVP-winning campaign showcased impressive statistics, averaging 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game while shooting 54.8% from the field and 33.1% from beyond the arc.
However, his playoff performance saw a significant drop-off, registering 23.7 points, 9.8 rebounds per game, with shooting percentages declining to 43.1% from the field and a mere 17.9% from three-point range.
Notably, Embiid faced challenges in crucial moments during the playoffs, particularly in Game 6 and Game 7 against the Boston Celtics. Despite the Sixers holding a 3-2 series lead, Embiid’s impact waned, contributing to the team’s inability to advance further. This decline in production and impact during pivotal playoff moments raises questions about the sustainability of Embiid’s style in high-stakes postseason scenarios.
As the Sixers and Embiid aim for postseason success, there may be a need for adjustments in his playing style to better navigate the challenges posed by playoff defenses and the altered officiating landscape.
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