Joel Embiid Sees Room for Improvement

Joel Embiid has some thoughts on the recent performance of the 76ers. He mentioned, “I think it would be good for New York to win,” referring to the Knicks’ advantage in free throw attempts during their 108-94 victory in Game 3 of the second round.

In a physical match on Friday, the Knicks led with 32 free throw attempts, while the 76ers only managed 16.

Embiid pointed out the disparity, saying, “Maybe some potential fouls were missed. They shot 32 free throws; we had 16. We’re not a team that relies on three-pointers. We typically drive and create contact. I don’t know.” He added, “It’s good for New York to win, but we need to adjust our mindset. We can’t afford to foul and give them those opportunities.”

Down 3-0 in the series, Embiid’s frustration was evident after the missed opportunity to secure a win. Philadelphia had previously attempted more free throws in the first two games, with a total of 62-42, including a 34-17 split in Game 1, but they couldn’t replicate that success when it mattered.

The Knicks’ free throw count was amplified by Mitchell Robinson’s eight attempts, which the 76ers aimed to exploit with a hack-a-mitch strategy. Even without those, the Knicks still had 50 percent more attempts than Philadelphia.

Jalen Brunson contributed significantly, attempting at least eight free throws in each game, totaling 25 attempts, which was more than half of what the 76ers managed combined.

In the prior games of the postseason, Embiid had consistently attempted at least seven free throws but only managed four in his latest outing, where he scored 18 points and grabbed six rebounds.

Both Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns voiced their dissatisfaction with the officiating during the game. Early on, when they wrestled for a rebound, Embiid was shocked that no foul was called on Towns, leading him to quickly foul Towns on the other end while expressing his frustration with the referees.

There was a notable moment late in the third quarter when the 76ers were leading 80-76, but a controversial foul call on Quentin Grimes for an exaggerated fall allowed Brunson to sink two free throws, pushing the Knicks ahead. The 76ers missed subsequent three-point attempts, and a shot from Landry Shamet widened the Knicks’ lead going into the fourth quarter.

Realistically, even if the 76ers could adjust the score by subtracting the extra free throws, they still fell short on Friday night.

Now, they find themselves one loss away from facing elimination against the Knicks, repeating a scenario they experienced two years ago.

Embiid summed up the situation, stating, “It’s a tough loss tonight. We have to focus on one game at a time.”