Joel Embiid Complains About Free-Throw Discrepancy After Losing 3rd Straight Game to Knicks

Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers may find it difficult to produce another comeback series win after the result of Game 3.

Joel Embiid Complains About Free-Throw Discrepancy After Losing 3rd Straight Game to Knicks

Joel Embiid (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Joel Embiid and the 76ers lost 108-94 to the Knicks, falling to 3-0 in the series.
  • Embiid criticized the free-throw discrepancy, with the Knicks attempting 32 compared to the 76ers' 16.
  • The 76ers' 'Big 3' struggled, combining for only 50 points in a crucial playoff game.

Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers have their backs against the wall after going 3-0 down against the New York Knicks in the Western Conference Semifinals. Embiid made his return after missing Game 2 due to a sore and hip, but it wasn’t enough against an in-form Knicks on Friday night.

The 76ers made a strong start in the first quarter, but were made to chase for the rest of the game as they succumbed to a 108-94 defeat to the Knicks. The loss has put Embiid and his team just one loss away from missing his maiden Eastern Conference Finals appearance.

The game saw the Knicks shoot double the free throw attempts as they had 32 free throw attempts compared to the 76ers’ 16. After the game, Embiid highlighted the discrepancy in free throws as one of the main reasons for the loss in Game 3.

They shot 32 free throws, we had 16. We’re not a team that shoots a lot of threes. We attack, put the ball on the ground… I guess it’s good when New York wins, so we’ve just got to have that mentality of not fouling.

Joel Embiid said in his post-match interview

It has been a difficult 2025-26 campaign for Joel Embiid in terms of injuries. Towards the end of the regular season, the big man had to undergo an appendicitis surgery, which ruled him out for a few weeks.

However, he made his return in the Game 4 against the Boston Celtics in the first round. Embiid impressed with his performances and led the 76ers from a 3-1 comeback. His performance in Game 7 saw him receive praises from the likes of Shaquille O’Neal.

Embiid’s criticism about the officiating in Game 3 seems to be a growing trend amongst the players in the playoffs this year. Jaylen Brown of the Celtics and some of the Los Angeles Lakers players have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the refereeing so far in the playoffs.

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Philadelphia 76ers’ ‘Big 3’ struggled in Game 3 against the Knicks

After the 3-1 comeback against the Celtics, there were a lot of expectations and hopes surrounding the 76ers. With the big 3 of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George fit and healthy, the 76ers were looking to make their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance since 2001.

After missing Game 2, Embiid was far from his best on Friday night. He scored just 18 points to go along with six rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Meanwhile, his other two members of the ‘Big 3’ had off nights as well with Maxey scoring 17 and George recording 15 points.

76ers need Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey healthy next season
Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey (Image via Barstool Sports/X)

The trio combined to score just 50 points and failed to make any impact in crunch time. It was a tough home loss for the 76ers as they now face a herculean task in front of them.

No team in NBA history has ever made a comeback from 3-0 down. While they will have some confidence after winning from 3-1 down against the Celtics, they will need to produce some memorable performances from now on as their season is hanging on by a thread.

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Joel Embiid speaks on the crowd in Philadelphia in Game 3

It was a disappointing result for the 76ers fans who may have been optimistic of their team’s chances in the playoffs this year, especially when Embiid made a plea to the fans to not sell their tickets. However, despite his plea, Knicks fans made themselves heard and took over the arena. After the loss, Embiid was asked about the crowd in Philadelphia in Game 3, to which he gave a neutral answer.

I don’t know. I was focused on the game. I really wasn’t paying attention.

Joel Embiid in his post-match media scrum

With the Knicks on the verge of a clean sweep, Embiid and the 76ers could expect a lot more from the Knicks fans in Philly for Game 4. The Knicks are well on course to make it to their second consecutive Eastern Conference Final this year.

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