Following the Philadelphia 76ers’ Game 1 matchup against the New York Knicks, Joel Embiid was asked about a moment in the game where he was hit in the stomach and was dealing with some discomfort.
The way he answered the question didn’t sit right with former New York Giants running back, Tiki Barber.
The three-time Pro Bowler, who now serves as a radio host for New York-based station WFAN, went off with a strong quote about Embiid in between Games 1 and 2.
Tiki Barber Goes Off On Joel Embiid
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 30, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
“If it was that bad, then don’t play,” Barber said.
“If it’s gonna hurt, and someone might run into you accidentally or otherwise, don’t play. I remember when I had a broken arm, and I’d play in 2000, I had to tape my other arm because they were literally stepping on my arm, just because they knew I had a broken arm. I didn’t complain about it. It’s part of the risk of playing when you’re hurt. So, stop being a b****. Seriously, that’s surprising to me. That’s surprising to me that he’s complaining about that.”
Joel Embiid’s Quote On The Play
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 24: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives against Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks during the first half at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
It was simple: Embiid was setting a screen for Tyrese Maxey. While Mikal Bridges was attempting to chase the guard down, Embiid was met with physicality. It wasn’t whistled, or necessarily viewed as a dirty play by most, but Embiid’s reaction warranted the question after the game. Reporters asked, and he answered.
“I got hit on it,” Embiid told reporters. “I don’t know if it wasâobviously, based on whatâs been going on. I guess I got to protect it more. I don’t know if it was dirty or not. I guess I gotta do a better job of protecting my (stomach), yeah, especially that part.”
Embiid added that while he doesn’t believe the hit was necessary, he made it clear that playoff basketball brings a different physicality. The Sixers need to move on from it and bring the same physicality to the table in Game 2.
Bulletin Board Material For Game 2
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 02: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on May 02, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Barber doesn’t have ties to the Knicks, but his strong message should be enough to motivate Embiid and the 76ers to find better results on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
“You’ve been an elite athlete for a long time, you play hurt. You have to, especially when it means something to you,” Barber added. “You don’t complain about it. You just don’t, because if you do, it’s like, give me sympathy. The reason I was not great is that your sympathy is making me feel better. It’s just weak. I don’t love that because I didn’t think that about him. That’s just weird. That’s like a crime against sports honor.”
The Sixers lost Game 1 137-98. Embiid checked in for 25 minutes, scoring 14 points, while producing four rebounds, and one assist.
The 76ers and the Knicks will meet for Game 2 on Wednesday, May 6, for a 7 PM ET tip.
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