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The Philadelphia 76ers took it to the Boston Celtics in their Christmas Day showdown, but came up short once again, falling in overtime 121-114. Following their heartbreaking defeat, Joel Embiid reiterated that the Sixers-Celtics isn't a rivalry.
“We lost again. Like I said at the beginning of the season, I don't know what a rivalry is. I think I do, but this is clear as day, this is no rivalry,” Embiid said, per Tom Webber of Sporting News.
Embiid first made the comments back on opening night, also in Boston, when he said that he does not consider the Sixers and Celtics a rivalry because they always lose.
The outspoken big man isn't one to let his thoughts settle in his mind. He'll make sure to let his opponents know it when he's dominating them. Embiid is also brutally honest. He isn't afraid to own up to his and his team's deficiencies, especially when he finds himself on opposite end of the stick.
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Philadelphia has repeatedly struggled against Boston dating back to their second round series in last season's playoffs, where the Sixers lost 4-1. The Celtics, as mentioned, continued to flex their muscle over them with a 105-87 romping on opening night.
This game, however, was a much closer contest than their opening night match-up. The Sixers seemed to be on their way to victory, but Celtics superstar Kyrie Irving had other plans. Irving took over in the final minute of regulation to send the game into overtime. He, then knocked down two dagger threes in the extra period to seal the deal for Boston.
Despite the loss, Embiid was his usual monster self, notching 34 points and 16 rebounds. He also shot 10-of-17 from the field and converted on all of his 12 attempts from the charity stripe. However, these weren't enough to overcome and fend off the heroics of Uncle Drew.
Nonetheless, the big man is looking forward to their next encounter, which will be on February 12 in Philadelphia.
