Everyone's Debating Controversial Flagrant Foul Call On Joel Embiid

01/05/2024 04:08

On Tuesday night the Philadelphia 76ers took down the New York Knicks in overtime to force a Game 6 - but it wasn't without controversy.

Sixers big man Joel Embiid attempted to block a shot from Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson during the overtime period, but ended up hitting Brunson right in the face. He was eventually called for a Flagrant 1 after officials took a closer look.

Fans are pretty split on whether or not a Flagrant 1 should have been called on the floor. Some believe it was another dirty play by a dirty player.

"Why is this fraud still not suspended," said one fan.

"Gotta respect Embiid acting like he did nothing wrong after he smacked Brunson right in the face," joked another.

"Embiid clearly smacks Brunson in the face/on the head then acts like he doesn't know what he's doing and how could it be a foul. Does this stuff time after time," said a third.

Others think the NBA is getting a bit too soft.

"The NBA is so soft. Elimination playoff basketball. Swiping down at the ball. Pathetic," said one fan.

"This shouldn't be a flagrant 1 in the playoffs under any circumstances," added another.

"This is a natural swipe down for the ball where Brunson positioned his face in the line of embiid's hand," joked a third.

Here's the play in question.

Embiid was called for a Flagrant 1 on this play pic.twitter.com/89bf2U8fL2

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 1, 2024

Did Embiid deserve a Flagrant 1 call?

Fans might be debating this one for a while. In the end, Philadelphia escaped with a 112-106 win that kept the series alive.

Game 6 will be played in Philadelphia on Thursday night.