76ers Get Bailed Out By Questionable Overturned Call In Win Over The Cavs

Officials overturn a crucial foul committed by Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.

There are a number of reasons why fans should feel frustrated after the Cleveland Cavaliers lost their second straight game to the Philadelphia 76ers. 

One reason this feeling is valid is that the Cavs were up by double-digits in the third quarter, but allowed the 76ers to get back in the game and then weren't able to close it in the end. 

But the biggest frustration and controversy came with just over four minutes remaining in the game. 

Evan Mobley was guarding Joel Embiid tight as he knew the 76ers' center was playing with five fouls, one away from being disqualified. Embiid lowered his shoulder into Mobley causing the Cavs' forward to hit the ground.

Did Mobley embellish the hit? Sure. But there was clearing contact and Embiid's arm extended into Mobley, which is a foul. Philadelphia's head coach Doc Rivers immediately challenged the play protecting his All-Star player.

Shockingly, the referees overturned the call. You be the judge:

Joel Embiid was called for his sixth foul.

Doc Rivers challenged the call and was successful. pic.twitter.com/AI0K4jt6qp

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 16, 2023

Even if it wasn't a foul, there's no way you can convince me there was enough evidence to overturn the original call on the floor. 

Mar 15, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) collides with Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley (4) in the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY

The officials then waited for two possessions to go back and confirm that the shot Embiid made still counted adding two points to the scoreboard for the 76ers. 

Overturning the play is one thing because, at the end of the day, it is subjective. But not having the score correct after a lengthy review is clearly sloppy.

This play completely changed the game. Embiid finished the night with 36 points and was the focal point of the offense. Cleveland had a huge advantage with him off the floor and that edge was swept right away from them in the most crucial part of the game.

There were many other reasons that Cavs lost this one, but to have the game in such controversy leaves a sour taste in the mouth. 

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