Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid was unhappy with the free throw disparity during Philadelphia’s 108-94 Game 3 loss to the New York Knicks on Friday night.
Over the course of the contest, the Sixers attempted just 16 free throws, while the Knicks shot twice as many with 32.
Joel Embiid Not Happy With Free Throw Disparity in Philadelphia 76ers’ Game 3 Loss to Knicks
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 12: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacersat the Wells Fargo Center on November 12, 2023 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Embiid attempted just six total free throws in the game, while Sixers star guard Tyrese Maxey didn’t attempt a single shot from the foul line.
After the game, the former NBA MVP lamented the disparity in attempts between the two teams.
“They shot 32 free throws. We had 16, and we’re not a team that shoots a lot of 3s. We attack and put the ball on the ground. I guess it’s good when New York wins,” Embiid said.
“So, we just have to have that mentality of just not fouling I guess and being smart enough to not put ourselves in a position where they are gonna take advantage of it.”
Though clearly not happy with the officiating in Game 3, Embiid and the Sixers won’t have long to dwell on it because they’ll be right back in action with their season on the line in Game 4 on Sunday afternoon.
The Sixers will need to pull out a victory in that one if they wanted to avoid the embarrassment that comes with getting swept in a playoff series, especially by a division rival.
76ers’ Approach After Falling Behind 0-3 in Eastern Conference semifinals
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 04: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers take the tip during the first quarter in Game One of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 04, 2026 in New York City. 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 Al Bello/Getty Images)
Coming back from down 0-3 in an NBA postseason series is a daunting task that no team in league history has been able to accomplish. But, the Sixers are no strangers when it comes to coming back in a series, as they just rallied back from a 3-1 deficit in the first round to best the Boston Celtics in seven games. They’ll look to draw on that experience when it comes to their current situation.
“Just take it one game at a time. Obviously, we just came back down 3-1. This is tougher. So, yeah, just understanding that, yeah, we can’t get it all back in one game,” Embiid said.
“So win one, focus on the next one, win the next one. That should be the mentality. That’s the mentality we had early on last week. So, yeah, just gotta have that belief, and believe that you can do it.”
There’s a first for everything. Perhaps the Sixers will be the first team ever to come back from a 0-3 deficit to win a series. Don’t bet on it though.
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