Andre Drummond may have just made NBA history by getting ejected from a game, only to have the decision overturned. There was still frustration brewing with the officiating, though, as Joel Embiid was later tossed from the game by the same referee.
San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama was literally at the center of it all.
A Philadelphia 76ers season filled with nothing but turmoil and controversy just got even stranger. Here’s what you need to know:
How Drummond Got Ejected
Chris Paul was inbounding the ball under the Sixers basket with just over eight minutes remaining in the second quarter when Drummond was defending Wembanyama.
Aiming to create some separation from Drummond in the paint, Wembanyama looked to escape for the perimeter when he seemingly tripped and fell over himself. Referee Jenna Schroeder must have seen things differently and believed Drummond had something to do it, as she promptly ejected Philadelphia’s backup center.
DRUMMOND GETS EJECTED FOR PUSHING WEMBY
not sure about this one refs… pic.twitter.com/3iTLq5dcUp
— WembyMuse (@Wemby_Muse) December 24, 2024
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse was, understandably, absolutely irate with the call and had to be held back by Tyrese Maxey, while Drummond looked utterly confounded.
As Drummond was headed back to the locker room, he learned that the referee crew of Schroeder along with Curtis Blair and JT Orr reviewed the play and decided to rescind the ejection. The Sixers’ official X/Twitter account then posted a hilarious video of Drummond putting his jersey back on and making a hero’s welcome back into the game.
What Happened With Embiid?
Six minutes later, Embiid received the ball on the perimeter and looked to attack Wembanyama off the bounce but the young phenom drew a charge.
Spotting the same official who initiated the Drummond fiasco must’ve made Embiid see red. He completely tore into Schroeder repeatedly while Kyle Lowry tried to usher him away. Even after receiving the first technical, the former MVP kept barking, looked to approach her when the second technical was issued and he was ejected.
Embiid tossed the mask he’s been wearing as he recovers from a sinus fracture, before reluctantly exiting from the game for good.
Joel Embiid gets ejected for arguing the call after Wemby draws a charge on him… pic.twitter.com/T35wVfVYbB
— WembyMuse (@Wemby_Muse) December 24, 2024
Playing just 7 of Philadelphia’s first 26 games, availability has been a major issue for Embiid this season. To be healthy Monday and leave after just 14 minutes will be frustrating for all involved with the Sixers. He finished with nine points on 2-of-8 shooting.
