As expected, things started to get chippy between the Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3. The evening was highlighted by Toronto's Pascal Siakam tripping Philadelphia center Joel Embiid.
Pascal Siakam was called for a flagrant 1 after blatantly tripping Joel Embiid following a botched layup attempt. According to Josh Lewenberg of TSN Sports, he admits he did it out of frustration:
Asked about the trip on Embiid, Siakam seemed very regretful. He said he was frustrated after a non-call but didn't mean to hurt him. “That's my guy.”
Siakam's frustration is certainly understandable. The intensity has risen a notch in this series. Siakam clearly felt he should have gotten a call on his shot attempt. Regardless, it is clear that he felt bad about tripping Embiid. Fortunately, it is safe to say that there is no ill will between these two players, considering the bond they share as fellow Cameroonians.
Despite the love they have for each other, that has gone out the window with the stakes now higher than ever. Embiid showed no remorse on the vicious block he made against Siakam just moments before the trip. Both players are vital components to their teams' successes and they will still do everything they can to contain the other
The Sixers were able to take advantage of their home floor by taking a 2-1 series lead on the back of Embiid's 33 points. Although Siakam has been the most productive Raptor outside of forward Kawhi Leonard, Toronto will need to a more balanced effort if it hope to even the series in Game 4.
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