NBA roundup: Embiid and Drummond ejected in Sixers victory, short-handed Magic defeat Celtics
Philadelphia's Joel Embiid (30) was dismissed from the game after an altercation with a female referee during the 76ers' 111-106 victory over San Antonio in an eventful Monday of NBA action.
The anticipated matchup between the Cameroonian Embiid and France's Victor Wembanyama was cut short late in the first half, prompting Tyrese Maxey to step up with an impressive performance, contributing 32 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists to secure the victory.
"This is significant," Maxey remarked regarding the win for Embiid. "We are adapting to playing without him... We need to adjust our pace, increase our intensity, and focus on rebounding."
Following the game, Embiid came onto the court to embrace Maxey after the guard's late-game efforts, which included a steal, a dunk, a three-pointer, and a free throw, culminating in a 9-3 run that sealed the home victory.
"It’s all love, man," Maxey expressed. "He has been like a big brother to me for a long time."
The turmoil began 3:47 into the second quarter when Wembanyama fell to the floor after contact with Philadelphia's Andre Drummond, who was initially ejected for a second technical foul. However, this decision was later reversed upon video review, categorizing the incident as a "Wemby" flop foul, allowing Drummond to return to the game.
Embiid received his third foul from referee Jenna Schroeder after colliding with Wembanyama with 2:59 left in the first half. Following his vehement protests, Embiid was assessed two technical fouls and subsequently ejected from the game.
Embiid's frustration escalated as he removed the facial protective mask he had been wearing due to a sinus fracture, vocally expressing his discontent while being physically held back from approaching the officials. He concluded the game with only nine points in 14 minutes of play.
"It was a chaotic first half," remarked 76ers coach Nick Nurse.
Wembanyama, the NBA's leader in blocked shots, recorded 26 points, nine rebounds, and eight blocks for the Spurs. He achieved four blocks in the first quarter alone, including three in the final 30 seconds, culminating in a career-high of seven blocks in the first half.
In the matchup between the Magic and the Celtics, an injury-depleted Orlando Magic team surprised the defending NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, with a score of 108-104. Tristan da Silva from Germany led the balanced scoring effort for the Magic with 18 points, overcoming Jaylen Brown's impressive 35 points for Boston.
"This victory is dedicated to Mo," stated Orlando's Johnathan Isaac, honoring center Mo Wagner, who sustained a season-ending left knee injury on Saturday.
In other league news, the Cleveland Cavaliers, currently leading the NBA season, improved their record to 26-4, equaling the best 30-game start in franchise history with a 124-113 victory over Utah. The Cavaliers, riding a five-game winning streak, have a remarkable home record of 16-1, with Darius Garland contributing 23 points, while Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley each added 22 points.
As fans endured a delay due to a basket replacement before the game commenced, Cleveland's Jarrett Allen impressively made a half-court shot with his back to the basket. The Cavaliers are recognized as the most accurate shooting team in the NBA, both from the field and beyond the three-point line.
Oklahoma City extended its winning streak to eight games with a decisive 123-105 victory against the struggling Washington team, currently at the bottom of the NBA standings. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the standout performer for the Western Conference-leading Thunder (23-5), contributing an impressive 41 points.
In New York, both Karl-Anthony Towns and O.G. Anunoby scored 31 points, guiding the Knicks to a 139-125 victory over the Toronto Raptors.
The Milwaukee Bucks secured a 112-91 win in Chicago despite the absence of NBA scoring leader Giannis Antetokounmpo due to back spasms and Damian Lillard, who was out with an illness. Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez each scored 21 points, while Bobby Portis added 19 points and 13 rebounds.
In Houston, Jabari Smith led the Rockets to a 114-101 victory over Charlotte with 21 points, supported by Fred VanVleet's 20 points.
Trae Young's 29 points propelled Atlanta to a 117-104 win against Minnesota, while Bam Adebayo scored 23 points to lead the Miami Heat to a 110-95 home victory over Brooklyn.
Norman Powell was instrumental for the Los Angeles Clippers, scoring 29 points in their 114-110 win against Memphis. He made a crucial jumper and converted two free throws in the final 25 seconds to secure the victory.
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