Embiid Speaks Out on Free Throws After Loss to Knicks

The Philadelphia 76ers made efforts to ensure their arena was buzzing with their fans. Still, it didn’t stop a wave of New York Knicks supporters from making their way down the New Jersey Turnpike.

During Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, as the Knicks took a solid 3-0 lead, Joel Embiid seemed to sense that the officiating favored New York as well.

He pointed out a stark difference in free throw attempts: the Knicks shot 32 times from the line, while the 76ers managed just 16.

“I think it’s good for New York to win,” Embiid said, seemingly addressing the referees.

“Maybe there were fouls that were missed. They had 32 free throws—it’s unusual for us since we don’t often take many threes. We attack the basket. You never really know how it will turn out.”

He emphasized, “We need to adopt a mindset of minimizing fouls and being smart about our play to avoid giving them opportunities.”

As the game progressed, the Knicks advanced their lead to 92-84 in the fourth quarter. Jalen Brunson, with his calm demeanor in clutch moments, delighted Knicks fans by nailing a three-pointer, contributing to a 95-86 victory.

Before the series kicked off, Embiid had urged fans against selling tickets to New Yorkers. Despite attempts to limit sales to local residents, the team ended up donating hundreds of tickets to first responders. Yet, several Knicks fans, including celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Spike Lee, still flooded the arena.

The Knicks are now set to try for a series sweep on Sunday in Philadelphia.