Joel Embiid Gets Controversial Late Call Reversed in Sixers’ Win Over Cavs

Joel Embiid Gets Controversial Late Call Reversed in Sixers’ Win Over Cavs

Joel Reyes
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:28 PM
  • The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in a pivotal Eastern Conference showdown
  • The Sixers benefited from a replay review late in the game, with Joel Embiid’s sixth foul overturned
  • The Sixers won their season series with the Cavaliers 2-1 after Wednesday’s victory

The Philadelphia 76ers extended their winning streak to six games with a 118-109 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.

Joel Embiid starred for the Sixers, who improved to 46-22 for the season.

They moved within one game of the Boston Celtics for second place in the Eastern Conference.

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers
Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after being called for a foul during the fourth quarter of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 15, 2023. Image: Jason Miller
Source: Getty Images

Embiid posted monster numbers once again, registering a double-double with 36 points and 18 rebounds, per ESPN. He was fortunate to have his sixth foul overturned with 4:12 remaining in the contest.

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Embiid's charging call overturned

Embiid was called for an offensive foul after charging into Evan Mobley. The Cavs’ joy for the Sixers center’s apparent disqualification was short-lived, though, as Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers immediately requested a replay review.

The call was reversed, drawing different reactions from both sides. Rivers agreed with the decision, saying that he thought Mobley flopped. He added that he didn’t think they would foul Joel out on that.

Bickerstaff disagrees with call reversal

Cavs coach J.B. Bickerstaff, on the other hand, was livid with the call reversal. He said the charge was clear as day, and there was no doubt about it. He added that Mobley laid it all out on the line, and he should have been rewarded for that.

The call came at a critical juncture as the Sixers were up 108-101. The Cavs managed to cut the lead to 110-107, but the Sixers held on late for the nine-point win.

With the victory, the Sixers won their season series against the Cavs 2-1. That is important for Philly as that gives them the tiebreaker for playoff seeding in case the Sixers and Cavs end up with the same record at the end of the season.

Only four games separate the two teams in the Eastern Conference standings.

Embiid dominates against Washington

Sports Brief recently reported on the Sixers' win over the Wizards.

Embiid scored 34 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the 112-93 victory.

He shot 12 of 21 from the field against Washington.

Authors
Joel Reyes photo
Joel Reyes
Joel Reyes is a sports editor at Sportsbrief.com with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of the Philippines. He has eight years of work experience in sports writing.
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