VIDEO: Joel Embiid Told Crowd to Shush After Clutch Shot and His Postgame Explanation Was Excellent
The Philadelphia 76ers picked up a home victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday in a game that was close throughout. Some boos trickled down from the stands in Philly throughout the contest, and Joel Embiid addressed them with a simple gesture after hitting a dagger shot late.
Joel Embiid tells the crowd to STFU after this dagger ? pic.twitter.com/BRHlZXtC5w
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) February 10, 2020
Embiid's shushing gesture is clearly directed toward the home fans who have not been shy about voicing their displeasure with the team all season, even though the 76ers are an insane 24-2 at home this year (?!?).
The young star was asked about the shushing postgame, and gave a perfect explanation about exactly what he was trying to regain by being boisterous.
Joel Embiid was asked about the shush after the game: “Just talking to myself, have not been playing up to my standards. Just frustrated.”
— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) February 10, 2020
“I don’t care how it looks… I’m just getting back to myself, being a good asshole, just playing basketball and trying to dominate.” pic.twitter.com/uuXP7HmWXh
Embiid said the shushing was about himself, though 76ers beat writer Rich Hofmann of The Athletic noted there were boos in the building on Sunday.
The team, not Embiid specifically, was booed after going down three in the third quarter.
— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) February 10, 2020
Whatever his intentions were, 76ers fans should be happy knowing Embiid is playing with passion and is just going out there trying to dominate. If being booed at home is what it takes, fans may be wise to keep booing to motivate Embiid.