SUMMARY
- Joel Embiid kicked Mitchell Robinson in the groin in Game 3 that could've led to a bad injury.
- Charles Oakley claims he wouldn't have spared Embiid had he done it to him during the 80s or 90s.
After being the star of the NBA throughout the regular season, Joel Embiid has now become the biggest enemy of the state. The Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks series might turn into a blood bath as tensions have flared up to the highest peak. The Knicks took a major lead against the 76ers by securing two early wins at the Madison Square Garden.
Game 2 of the series concluded in a controversial manner while the Sixers claim referees never acknowledged their timeout requests or challenges against fouls committed by the Knicks. Their third matchup took place at the Wells Fargo Center, and Embiid resorted to several dirty plays against Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein. One major play had Embiid deliver a low blow to Robinson in the lower groin area.
Charles Oakley doesn’t wish to spare Joel Embiid
After the game, there was widespread hate directed towards Joel Embiid. While he recorded a historic 50-point game, it wasn’t enough to block out the criticism he was about to receive for the blatant intentional fouls. Former Knicks player Charles Oakley chimed in on the issue while speaking to Newsday’s Barbara Barker.
“I probably would have smacked him.”
– Charles Oakley on Joel Embiid’s antics
(Via @meanbarb ) pic.twitter.com/CGWTjAxnpV
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 27, 2024
He said, “I probably would have smacked him. You can’t let him send that kind of message. If he had done something like that, he wouldn’t have gotten away with it. David Robinson, when he played, he knew what he could get away with. They [bullies] pick a fight they think they are going to win.” Oakley played during one of the most physical eras of basketball and dirty plays weren’t tolerated at the slightest bit.
Knicks players may come out for brutal revenge against Joel Embiid
Considering how dangerous Joel Embiid’s actions were in Game 3, the Knicks are bound to come back with a mindset to break his spirit. Knicks standout Donte DiVincenzo told ESPN’s reporter, “It was dirty.” He was referring to Embiid’s cheap shot on Robinson after the game concluded. Josh Hart wasn’t happy yet glad that the play didn’t cause serious damage.
Joel Embiid is a piece of shit pic.twitter.com/IreDqoTvUm
— Marshall Green (@MarshallGreen_) April 26, 2024
He said, “I mean, we’re just happy Mitch didn’t get a serious injury on that. I’m all for tough fouls, tough playoff fouls, but that’s something that can put a guy out for a significant amount of time. So, we’re lucky he didn’t get seriously hurt during that time.” Robinson was listed on the Knicks’ latest injury report but for an ankle ailment. He was a non-participant in Saturday’s team practice ahead of Game 4.