“That’s the League That We’re in,” Jaylen Brown Calls out Joel Embiid’s Flopping After Game 7 Loss

Joel Embiid led from the front and led the 76ers to a Game 7 win over the Celtics.

“That’s the League That We’re in,” Jaylen Brown Calls out Joel Embiid’s Flopping After Game 7 Loss

Jaylen Brown on Joel Embiid (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Joel Embiid led the 76ers to a 109-100 victory over the Celtics in Game 7, completing a historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit.
  • Jaylen Brown criticized Embiid for flopping during the game but acknowledged his significant impact on the series.
  • The 76ers will face the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinal after their first playoff series win over the Celtics.

Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers were at their absolute best on Saturday night against the Boston Celtics, led by Jaylen Brown. It was a memorable moment for the 76ers as they made a comeback from 3-1 down for the first time in franchise history. Meanwhile, the Celtics were 32-0 when leading 3-1 before their loss on Saturday.

In a dominant performance, the 76ers took control of the game from tip-off and came out on top with a 109-100 victory in Game 7 at TD Garden. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe combined to score 87 points.

After the loss, Brown called out the 76ers center for flopping.

We didn’t really have an answer for him… He also was flopping around… and they rewarded him for that. But that’s the league that we’re in.

Jaylen Brown in his post-match press conference

Jaylen Brown never shies away from speaking about what he stands for. This is not the first time that Brown has criticized the “flopping” that takes place in the NBA. He has called out players for flopping to win the MVP award earlier this season and on Saturday, he pointed the finger at Joel Embiid.

Embiid is a former MVP winner and does rely on free throws to score a lot of points. He averaged 9.3 free throw attempts in the four games he played in this series, and made nine out of 11 free throw attempts in Game 7.

A few hours before the game, the Celtics made a huge call of ruling out Jayson Tatum due to a knee injury. The forward was cleared to play on Saturday at first, but the medical staff decided to go against it as a precautionary measure.

While Brown did call out on Embiid’s “flopping” in his press conference, the two were seen hugging and embracing each other after the game. Sometimes frustration does get the better of most players after a loss.

Jaylen Brown credits Joel Embiid for making a difference in the series

Joel Embiid made his return in Game 4 after missing some time due to an appendicitis surgery at the end of the regular season. He was the best player on the court in Games 5 and 7. His return shifted the tide of the series towards the 76ers.

Joel Embiid has made it a habit of load managing
Joel Embiid (Image via Hoop X/X)

While Brown did criticize Embiid for flopping, he credited the big man for making a difference in the series.

I don’t think they were a traditional 7th seed…. Embiid made the significant difference. We didn’t have an answer for Embiid and the games that he played. He was a problem for us.

Jaylen Brown on Joel Embiid’s impact

Embiid averaged 28 points in the four games he played in the first round. In Game 7, he scored a game-high 34 points to go along with 12 rebounds and six assists. It was his first playoff series win over the Celtics after coming up short three times before.

Philadelphia 76ers set up a clash against the New York Knicks

After the win, the 76ers will take on the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinal. The Knicks eliminated the Atlanta Hawks in six games in the first round. While they may have a few extra days of rest, the 76ers will be riding high on momentum and confidence after their staggering comeback against the 2023 NBA champions.

Following their win, 76ers head coach Nick Nurse had his say on their second round clash against the Knicks.

I think they’re very good. I think their starting lineup is incredible… Brunson is obviously a big problem. I think they’re very good and it’s going to be a tremendous challenge.

Nick Nurse in his post-match press conference

In their three games in the regular season, the Knicks won two of their clashes. The last time the two sides met in the playoffs was in the first round two years ago and the Knicks came out on top in six games. The 76ers will be looking to make their first Eastern Conference Final appearance in 25 years.

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