NBA fans blasted the referees in Game 3 between the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets over questionable calls, including James Harden’s ejection.
The Philadelphia 76ers were up 2-0 in their first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets, and looked to pull within one win of advancing to the Eastern Conference semifinals. With Game 3 taking place at Barclays Center, there was a lot of drama involving the two divisional rivals. Let’s just say, there was controversy involved.
In the third quarter, 76ers star James Harden was guarded by Royce O’Neal and drove to the basket. As he did so, Harden appeared to strike O’Neal in the groin. As a result, Harden received a flagrant 2 foul and was ejected from the game following a review.
This was the subject of controversy, considering what took place earlier in the game.
NBA Twitter sounds off on James Harden’s ejection from Game 3
Back in the first quarter, Nets center Nic Claxton successfully dunked, causing 76ers star Joel Embiid to fall to the floor. Claxton stepped over Embiid, who responded by kicking him in the groin. Despite this action, Embiid was only given a flagrant 1 foul and was allowed to remain in the game.
The controversy only continued later on, as Claxton dunked over Embiid in the fourth quarter and then taunted him. Embiid motioned for a technical foul, and sure enough, that’s exactly what Claxton received. As a result, Claxton was ejected.
Let’s just say that NBA Twitter wasn’t exactly fond of the ejection of Harden, while Embiid was able to remain in the game after his kick below the belt.
Even with Harden’s ejection, the 76ers were able to pick up the 102-97 victory and take a commanding 3-0 series lead. Harden scored 21 points while shooting 8-for-15 from the field and 3-for-7 from the three point line. Harden also put up five rebounds and four assists.
Tyrese Maxey led the team with 25 points scored after making 10-of-17 field goal attempts and 5-for-8 from behind the arc. Maxey also dished out three assists and hauled in three rebounds.
Embiid, meanwhile, recorded 14 points (5-for-13 from field), 10 rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
As for the Nets, Mikal Bridges scored a team-high 26 points by making 9 of his 26 shot attempts, including making 4-of-7 shots from the three-point line. Bridges also recorded six rebounds and five assists.
The 76ers will look to close out the series with a Game 4 victory on Saturday, Apr. 22. Tipoff time is set for 1:00 p.m. ET and will be televised on TNT.