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Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers sure loves himself a good clap back. In Tuesday's road game against the Charlotte Hornets, there was a sequence that showed just why Embiid is one of the most entertaining players in the NBA. On a defensive possession, he found himself defending Hornets points guard Kemba Walker.
Walker did a little dancing with the ball, dribbling through his legs for a while before putting a step-back jump shot in Embiid's eye. The crowd, naturally, loved it.
Embiid heard them, and he realized he wanted to do something about it. On the very next possession, Embiid got the ball in an isolation. He took one dribble and made a jumper of his own.
On the way back down the floor, he put his index finger to his lips as if to tell the crowd, “Shhhh.” The video below tells all.
Kemba got Embiid … then Embiid silenced the crowd. pic.twitter.com/EnpniV9cNo
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 7, 2018
Joel Embiid is at his best when he is having fun, and making fun of situations on and off the floor. This was no exception. Embiid wanted to get himself in a zone, and at times the best way for players do that is to create moments like Embiid's.
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But objectively, Walker's shot and what came before it was much better. He displayed his handles, as well as completed a nasty step-back. All Embiid did was make a midrange jumper.
Even the way Kemba Walker's shot swished in was better than Embiid's shot, which rattled the rim before dropping. It's two points either way, but Walker's looked better.
However, Embiid, because he is who he is, will get more attention for silencing the crowd and putting his finger to his lips. It fits his brand, which has never been stronger.
