“If that was anybody else, I don’t know if he’d get the same call” – Former New York Knicks guard reacts to Joel Embiid Flagrant 1

Joel Embiid had a huge night in Game 3 of Philadelphia 76ers first-round series against the New York Knicks. The 2022-23 NBA MVP finished with 50 points, eight rebounds, four assists and one block in Philadelphia’s 125-114 victory. He shot 13-19 from the field, 5-7 from three-point range and 19-21 from the free-throw line.

There was controversy about whether he should have been allowed to remain on the floor for his big night. The seven-time All-Star attempted to draw an offensive foul. After not getting the call, he grabbed Mitchell Robinson’s legs, pulling the opposing center to the ground as he attempted a lay-up.

Joel Embiid received a Flagrant 1 after this foul on Mitchell Robinson 😳 pic.twitter.com/2ygeQh8gMG

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 26, 2024

The play appeared to be a turning point in the pivotal Game 3. Embiid received a Flagrant 1 and avoided a first quarter ejection. A former New York Knicks guard joined fans in suggesting that his status was the sole reason he was allowed to remain in the game. Speaking on the Run It Back podcast, Immanuel Quickley was asked if the play was dirty, responding:

I ain’t trying to get fined – I don’t know if I still can. But if that was anybody else, I don’t know if he’d get the same call.

.@MichelleDBeadle: "So you would agree that the [Joel] Embiid foul on Mitchell Robinson was dirty?"@IQ_GodSon: "I ain't trying to get fined…But if that was anybody else, I don't know if he'd get the same call." #Knicks #Sixers pic.twitter.com/q6ECAGgMHN

— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) April 26, 2024

Joel Embiid shares thoughts on Flagrant 1 foul on Mitchell Robinson

Joel Embiid has faced accusations of being a dirty player in the past. His Flagrant 1 foul on Mitchell Robinson did him no favors in shaking that reputation. Speaking at the post-game press conference, he discussed the incident, stating, in part:

It’s unfortunate. I didn’t mean to hurt anybody. I just – in those situations I got to protect myself, because I’ve been in way too many situations where I’m always the recipient of the bad end of it. So yeah, it was unfortunate, but physical game.

They want to bring the physicality. We can be physical too, and we are. So, I mean, it goes both ways. I get bumped all over the place, and I just keep playing and I’m not going to take it. I got to keep my mind and make sure that I don’t get outside myself. But yeah, I just got to keep being myself, being aggressive and physical.

New York Knicks players did not agree with Embiid’s assessment of the play, labeling it as dirty. The two teams will meet again in Game 4 on Sunday as the Philadelphia 76ers will look to even up the best-of-seven series.

Joel Embiid on officiating & flagrant on Mitchell Robinson:

"It was unfortunate. I didn't mean to hurt anybody. In those situations, I've got to protect myself because I've been in too many situations where I'm always the recipient of the bad end of it"pic.twitter.com/UqHBJ67jFp

— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) April 26, 2024

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