Those looking for fireworks in the NBA during the league’s New Year’s game day schedule just got what they were asking for, thanks to a David vs. Goliath skirmish between Los Angeles Clippers point guard Patrick Beverley and Philadelphia 76ers mammoth center Joel Embiid.
It all happened during a play in the fourth quarter of the contest. Sixers guard T.J. McConnell rose up near the free throw-line for what initially seemed to be a two-point jumper attempt only to pass the leather to a rolling Embiid. It was the right decision for McConnell, who saw that Embiid was only guarded by Beverley, who had absolutely no chance of stopping the big man that close to the basket.
Realizing that there’s nothing he could do to keep Embiid from punishing the rim with a monster throwdown, Beverley decided to dispense one of his fouls by grabbing Embiid’s arm. Beverley then tried to get the ball out of Embiid’s hand and grabbed his jersey to which the Sixers’ star responded by pushing the pesky guard away. There were no punches thrown, but it sure did make quite a commotion inside the Staples Center.
Pat Bev and Embiid got into it 👀 pic.twitter.com/b0c9KhM96V
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 2, 2019
Those who are familiar with Beverley’s style of play and demeanor on the court would be the last ones to be surprised over this kind of situations that the court general finds himself in, as he’s had plenty of the same in his career.
Embiid got the last laugh, though, as the Sixers ended up on top with a 119-113 win. Embiid led his team with 28 points to go with 19 rebounds and three blocks.
