76ers' Joel Embiid takes thinly-veiled shot at officials after Knicks take commanding 3-0 lead in playoffs

Embiid questions free-throw calls after Knicks' 3-0 series lead

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid criticized officiating after the New York Knicks took a 3-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series with a Game 3 victory on May 8, 2026. Embiid highlighted a disparity in free-throw attempts, with the Knicks receiving 32 to the 76ers' 16. "I guess it’s good when New York wins," he said.

Embiid added that his team relies on drives to the basket rather than three-pointers, questioning whether some fouls went uncalled. "Maybe (some potential fouls) was let go or not. They shot 32 free throws, we had 16," he said. He urged his teammates to avoid fouling and position themselves better.

The game took place at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, where Knicks fans filled sections despite the 76ers' efforts to restrict ticket sales to local buyers and donate seats to first responders. Embiid had asked fans before the series not to sell tickets to New York supporters.

The Knicks seek a sweep in Game 4 on Sunday in Philadelphia.