Embiid fined for criticizing refs following Sixers' Game 4 loss to Raptors

Share

Joel Embiid evidently pushed it a bit too far Sunday in Toronto. 

The NBA announced early Monday afternoon that the Sixers’ star center has been fined $15,000 for public criticism of the officiating following his team's Game 4 loss to the Raptors. 

Embiid gave the officials a decidedly insincere round of applause as he exited the floor.

“I’m going to take my own advice and not complain about fouls,” Embiid told reporters. “But like I was doing at the end of the game, (the officials) did a great job. I admire the job that they did today. To me, it felt like they had one job coming in here tonight, and they got it done. So congrats to them.” 

After taking a 2-0 lead in their first-round series, the Sixers split the next two games in Toronto. Embiid attempted nine foul shots in both contests. 

In response to Raptors head coach Nick Nurse’s displeasure with the officiating early in the series, Embiid said he “respectfully” told Nurse to “stop bitching about calls” at the end of Game 2.

Embiid, who’s playing through a painful right thumb injury, responded to a quick, especially physical Toronto start in Game 2 with amped-up aggression. In the first quarter, he drew 12 free throws and scored 19 points.

Monday's Game 5 will be his first night at home since that performance. The Sixers hope it’s the last game they’ll require in an increasingly testy series. 

Contact Us