Joel Embiid had a few words for D'Angelo Russell as the Philadelphia 76ers took on the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night. It was Russell's third game suiting up for the Nets this season. While it's still an adjusting period for D-Lo, it's business as usual for Embiid.
During the first quarter of the matchup, Russell took a technical free throw. With a little over eight minutes remaining in the opening period, D-Lo missed. Embiid couldn't help but react to D'Angelo's brick.
Joel Embiid's words to D'Angelo Russell couldn't be heard during the broadcast. However, Embiid was caught on camera calling out Russell with explicit expressions. Joel's mouth reads:
"Ball don't lie b***h a** ni**a."
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Draymond Green encourages Joel Embiid despite facing criticism
The Philadelphia 76ers took on the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. It was a blowout victory for the Warriors as they secured an overwhelming 139-105 victory. This did not sit well with Joel Embiid critics as they blamed the big man for not stepping up.
While a lot of negativity surrounds the 76ers star, especially since they're in 11th place with a 13-19 record, the Warriors' Draymond Green gave Embiid some advice and tried to give words of encouragement.
Draymond told Joel after the game to keep doing what he has been doing so far. While the results are far from great, Green understands how difficult it is to be a star in the league. He also tried to help Embiid realize that fans and critics will never understand what that's like.
Draymond Green talked about what he told Joel Embiid in a post-game interview and said:
"I told him to stick with it,” Green told Burke. “I told him I know how it feels for the whole world to be against you. It's hard. ... Just telling them to stick with it, keep going, trust your body. Listen to your body, but just keep going and forget all those people that got something to say.
“They don't know what it takes," Green added. "They don't even know what it takes to be great at what they do, but they want to criticize you at what you're great at. But you don't know what it takes to be great, so forget them people. But I said it a little differently."
Despite all the negativity that surrounds him, Joel Embiid has been putting up solid numbers while dealing with injuries. Embiid is averaging 24.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. So far, the 76ers big man has only played in 12 games.
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