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“Couldn’t Get My Hand Up to Shoot Because…”: Russell Westbrook Calls Out Joel Embiid’s Dirty Tactic After Lakers Lose Thriller to 76ers

Published 01/16/2023, 10:30 AM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Los Angeles Lakers nearly broke through the Joel Embiid-led Philadelphia 76ers. The superstars didn’t disappoint tonight. Embiid and LeBron James went bucket for bucket in the clash. Moreover, Russell Westbrook enjoyed yet another masterclass from the bench. However, when it came to the final shot, the 2017 MVP lost his handle. But according to Brodie, he couldn’t get a shot off because of Embiid’s dirty tactics.

After an unreal five-game winning streak, it looked like the Lakers ran out of gas. Before the loss to Philadelphia, they lost a close encounter with the Dallas Mavericks. The 2020 champions have looked capable to compete with title contenders, even without Anthony Davis. And that’s how they approached the game tonight.

USA Today via Reuters

LeBron James & Co. went toe to toe against arguably one of the best offenses in the league. After a clutch three from Troy Brown Jr., they had the chance to hand Philly a loss. Unfortunately, Embiid showed his defensive prowess by successfully guarding a quick-paced guard in Russell Westbrook. However, the nine-time All-Star feels he was fouled on the final play.

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Russell Westbrook and Embiid share opposing views after Lakers fall one basket short

LA was in a position to get the last shot. The score was 113-112, all the Lakers needed was one basket. Westbrook has made a reputation for hitting big shots in his career. Likewise, he took it upon himself to go for the go-ahead shot. However, in front was probably one of the best defensive centers in the league, Embiid.

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As he made his way to the basket, the reigning scoring champion managed to cause a fumble. But after the game, Brodie saw it differently. He said, “I couldn’t get my hand up to shoot because he was grabbing it”

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Embiid argued against it saying Westbrook was just unlucky. According to Dave McMenamin, the MVP frontrunner said he didn’t foul the Lakers guard.

USA Today via Reuters

From afar it looked like Embiid won the defensive battle in the clutch. However, on closer review, the 28-year-old did have a hold of Westbrook’s right arm. It’s unclear whether Brodie was going for the shot anytime prior. Moreover, not having his shooting arm might have led to his late-game miss. But as far as the game goes, it was a night the Philadelphia 76ers came out on top. And Joel Embiid was the show’s star with 35 points and 11 rebounds.

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Did you think it was a foul? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.
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Edited by:

Jayant Chhabra