Embiid questions officiating after Knicks seize 3-0 series lead
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid suggested referee bias favored the New York Knicks after their 3-0 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Embiid highlighted the Knicks' 32 free-throw attempts to the 76ers' 16 in Game 3 on May 8, 2026, at Xfinity Mobile Arena. "I guess it’s good when New York wins," he said.
The Knicks pulled away in the fourth quarter of Game 3, with Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges scoring consecutive baskets for a 92-84 lead, followed by Jalen Brunson's 3-pointer that extended it to 95-86 during a 9-0 run. Thousands of Knicks fans attended despite the 76ers' efforts to restrict ticket sales to the Philadelphia area and donate hundreds to local first responders. Embiid had urged fans not to sell tickets to New York supporters.
Embiid expanded on the disparity: "Maybe (some potential fouls) was let go or not. They shot 32 free throws, we had 16. We’re not a team that shoots a lot of 3s. We attack, put the ball on the ground. I don’t know." He added, "We’ve just got to have that mentality of just not fouling, I guess, and being smart enough to not put ourselves in a position where they’re going to take advantage of it."
The Knicks host Game 4 on Sunday in Philadelphia, aiming for a sweep.
