Philadelphia, PA — In a dramatic turn of events, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was ejected during his team’s 111-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Christmas Eve. The reigning NBA MVP found himself at the center of controversy after a heated confrontation with referee Jenna Schroeder in the second quarter.
The incident unfolded when Embiid was called for a third personal foul following a charge on Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama, who was sent sprawling to the court with 2:59 remaining in the first half. Embiid, visibly frustrated, confronted Schroeder, ripping off his protective face mask in protest. The exchange escalated, leading to two technical fouls and an early dismissal for the 76ers’ star center.
Referee Schroeder had already drawn attention earlier in the game when she ejected Philadelphia’s Andre Drummond for a challenge on Wembanyama. However, that decision was later overturned, further fueling tensions on the court.
“It was a wild first half,” said 76ers head coach Nick Nurse, reflecting on the emotionally charged game. Despite the drama, the 76ers managed to rally behind guard Tyrese Maxey, who delivered an outstanding performance with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, securing the win for Philadelphia.
On the opposing side, Wembanyama showcased his rising-star potential with an impressive stat line of 26 points, nine rebounds, and eight blocked shots. However, his efforts were not enough to carry San Antonio past a resilient Philadelphia squad.
Celtics Stunned by Magic
In other NBA action, the reigning champions Boston Celtics suffered a surprising 108-104 defeat to the Orlando Magic. Despite leading by 15 points at halftime, the Celtics faltered without the presence of Jayson Tatum, who missed the game due to illness. Tristan da Silva led Orlando with a team-high 18 points in the upset victory.
Thunder Shine Behind Gilgeous-Alexander
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder, Western Conference leaders, continued their dominant season with a convincing 123-105 win over the Washington Wizards. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a standout performance, pouring in 41 points to guide his team to yet another victory.
As the NBA season heats up, the spotlight remains firmly on the league’s brightest stars, with each game delivering excitement and surprises for fans worldwide.
