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Joel Embiid Called for Flagrant Foul After Low Kick on Nic Claxton

The 76ers big man took exception to being stepped over after a dunk early in Thursday’s game.

Frankie Taddeo

Joel Embiid Called for Flagrant Foul After Low Kick on Nic Claxton
Joel Embiid Called for Flagrant Foul After Low Kick on Nic Claxton /
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In an NBA playoffs that’s already seen its fair share of heated moments, Joel Embiid and Nic Claxton added another to the ledger on Thursday night.

Early in Game 3 of the 76ers’ first-round playoff showdown against the Nets, Claxton sent home a lob dunk and then stepped over Embiid, who had fallen to the ground while attempting to defend. The MVP finalist took exception and lashed out with his leg, kicking at the Nets center from below.

Officials issued Embiid a Flagrant 1 foul, but unlike Warriors forward Draymond Green on Tuesday night versus Sacramento, he was not ejected for the kick. On the flip side, Claxton was also slapped with a technical foul for the step-over.

With Philadelphia leading the series 2–0 and Embiid having fared well the first two games, Brooklyn needed some sort of spark. If anything, Claxton seems to have at least gotten into the head of the Sixers’ outspoken big man.

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Frankie Taddeo
FRANKIE TADDEO

Frankie Taddeo is a successful high-stakes fantasy football player who created the first-ever DFS program offered in a Las Vegas sportsbook. Besides contributing NFL fantasy analysis with a Vegas slant, Frankie primarily performs as Sports Illustrated's Senior Betting Analyst providing his significant experience and resources in the sports betting scene. 

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