To say that the Game 2 matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks has been intense would be a complete understatement. At one point, Sixers star Joel Embiid was assessed with a technical foul after shoving Hawks forward Danilo Gallinari from behind.

Embiid was whistled for an offensive foul on Gallinari, who was sent to the ground after taking a hit from the Sixers big man. Gallinari gave Embiid a forceful bump as he stood back up, and the latter clearly took exception to the cheap shot.

Gallinari knew what he was doing here as he walked away like a guilty man. He didn't even retaliate after Embiid pushed him and instead, he began pleading his case to the referees. The Hawks vet had a plan in mind here and he executed it to perfection. For his part, Embiid fell right into Gallo's trap.

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76ers Joel Embiid on the bench from game one or game two of playoff series vs. New York Knicks with Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart smiling or laughing.

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76ers' Joel Embiid in front of a picture of Embiid at the postgame podium in sunglasses

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Tom Thibodeau in New York Knicks coaching uniform

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In the end, both men were whistled for technical fouls and the melee was contained even before it escalated. Nevertheless, this sequence is a testament to just how physical this game has been.

The Sixers are in desperate need of a win here after the Hawks stole Game 1 on their home floor. And Joel Embiid needs to stay in the game.