Timberwolves HC Blasts NBA Referees After Loss To The 76ers

Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch voiced his displeasure with the officiating in a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, specifically addressing concerns about the way Joel Embiid was being treated. On camera, Finch could be seen passionately expressing his frustration to an official, yelling out:

The Impact of Free Throws on Embiid's Game


Embiid's proficiency in drawing fouls greatly contributes to his scoring performance, with an average of 11.7 free throw attempts per game. He demonstrates an impressive 89.3% accuracy from the free-throw-line. His overall scoring stands at 35.1 points per game, and excluding free throws, he maintains an average of 24.6 points per game.

In the matchup against the Timberwolves, Embiid demonstrated his scoring excellence by scoring 51 points, including 17 from successful free throws.

Even though the Timberwolves were aware of the officiating crew's inclination to call fouls, they ended up on the wrong side of a 127-113 scoreline. Frustration was palpable among the players, with Anthony Edwards expressing admiration for Embiid's performance and acknowledging his unstoppable nature.

Did Poor Officiating Determine the Winner?

In the fourth quarter, the game took a decisive turn as Joel Embiid, backed by Tyrese Maxey's 15 points, guided the 76ers to a commanding 37-26 quarter, clinching the victory. Karl-Anthony Towns showcased a strong performance for the Timberwolves, notching 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Anthony Edwards contributed 27 points.

Rudy Gobert, grappling with foul trouble throughout the game, expressed frustration with the officiating. He claimed that early fouls disrupted his ability to effectively defend against Embiid. Gobert raised concerns about the perceived inconsistency in officiating, feeling unfairly targeted with quick fouls and lacking calls on the offensive end.

The remarks from Gobert, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch, and player Anthony Edwards led to technical fouls for the latter two. Gobert may face scrutiny from the league office for his comments. Despite the Timberwolves' complaints about officiating, the 76ers' efficient offence, spearheaded by Embiid, ultimately secured the victory.

Witness Embiid's dominant performance by viewing the video below:


Is Embiid's Play Style Sustainable?

Joel Embiid's outstanding performance in the regular season stands out as a noteworthy aspect of his career. However, questions arise when assessing how his playing style adapts to the postseason. The playoffs typically introduce a distinct atmosphere, where referees are prone to allowing more physical play, posing a difficulty for players who heavily depend on drawing fouls.

During the 2022-2023 regular season, Embiid's MVP-worthy performance featured remarkable stats, with an average of 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. He maintained impressive shooting percentages of 54.8% from the field and 33.1% from beyond the arc.

Contrastingly, his playoff showing experienced a notable decline. His numbers dipped to 23.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game, accompanied by reduced shooting accuracy at 43.1% from the field and a mere 17.9% from three-point range.

The decrease in production and influence during crucial playoff moments raises concerns about the viability of Embiid's approach in high-stakes postseason situations. The reliance on free throws bears a striking resemblance to James Harden's playing style during his time with the Houston Rockets. Since departing from the organization, Harden has seen a notable decline with the introduction of the "Harden Rule", impacting how Harden used to draw fouls so easily.

In their pursuit of postseason success, the Sixers and Embiid might find it necessary to adapt Embiid's playing style. These adjustments would need to effectively navigate the challenges presented by playoff defences and the modified officiating dynamics.

Credits:
Fadeaway World