The Washington Wizards now find themselves in a nearly inescapable hole against the Philadelphia 76ers. At the heart of their problems lies the unstoppable force known as Joel Embiid.
The Cameroonian big man has tortured Washington in every game of the series. Embiid has averaged 29.3 points and 7.0 rebounds per game through three contests. But while those numbers don't jump out at you, it's his insane efficiency that's stood out. The Sixers star has shot 67.4% (!!) from the field, 54.5% (!!!) from the three-point line on 3.7 attempts per game.
The Wizards have thrown three different centers at him, and the only one that seems to stand a chance is Daniel Gafford. However, he just can't seem to stay on the floor enough because of one huge reason – he keeps fouling.
Russell Westbrook laid into the big man, who divulged what the Wizards All-Star told him bluntly to nip his fouling habits in the bud.
Gafford, the only player in the Wizards' rotation with a positive plus/minus at +1.7, entered the first quarter of Game 3 in the six-minute mark. He drew his second foul even before the quarter buzzer sounded.
His impact on the court is unquestioned, but he's personally responsible for not being able to stay on it.
The same scenario played out in Game 1, the contest Washington had a puncher's chance of winning. Gafford was a perfect 6-for-6 from the field, with six rebounds and a block. But the big man only played 20 minutes because of foul trouble. He drew two fouls in the first quarter, sat for a bit, then drew two more fouls in the third quarter to keep him on the bench for longer.
The Wizards' chances at winning this series are now virtually zero. But the reps and development of their young players like Daniel Gafford could be crucial in turning the corner for next season.