"You could have called a foul on the other end" - Joel Embiid disagrees with Russell Westbrook's take on LA Lakers' final possession
The LA Lakers lost another close game on Sunday, against Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers, with a score of 113-112. LA had a chance to win, down by one with the shot clock turned off. Lakers veteran point guard Russell Westbrook proceeded to isolate Embiid at the 3-point line before driving for an out-of-control layup attempt through traffic. Westbrook then missed the shot badly and the game was over. However, Westbrook believes a foul should have been called on the play as Embiid grabbed his arm.
"I was trying to get my hand up," Westbrook said.
"I couldn't get my hand up to shoot because (Embiid) was grabbing it. But it's all good," Westbrook continued.
When asked about the final play, Joel Embiid disagreed with Russell Westbrook’s assertion that he fouled him. The star then explained that it was just a physical all-around game with no calls on both ends of the floor.
"I don't think I fouled him," Embiid said.
"Physical play on both sides. You could have called a foul on the other end, too, on the bump. So, it goes both ways," Embiid continued.
Joel Embiid then proceeded to break down the play from his point of view.
"They were pushing the ball in transition and he was in front of me and I just waved everybody else off. I believe I'm a great defender, so I believe I can get a stop on anybody," Embiid said.
"(Westbrook) was actually unlucky because he lost the ball and then from there, he kind of had nothing else going,” Embiid continued.
Joel Embiid finished with 35 points, 11 rebounds and four assists on 57.1% shooting to lead Philly to victory. Meanwhile, Lakers star forward LeBron James put up 35 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists on 65.2% shooting.
Despite missing the game-winner, Russell Westbrook recorded a triple-double for LA with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists.
With the win, the Sixers improved to 27-16 and fourth in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Lakers fell to 19-24 and remain 13th in the Western Conference.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham on Russell Westbrook’s missed game-winning layup attempt over Joel Embiid
Following the Lakers’ tough loss to Philly, Lakers coach Darvin Ham also chimed in on the final play of the game. Ham opted not to call a timeout on the final play and instead let Russell Westbrook isolate Joel Embiid with 13.1 seconds remaining. Despite Westbrook missing the shot, Ham believes this was the right decision as he has faith in the former MVP.
Here were Darvin Ham's answers in his postgame press conference when asked about Russell Westbrook's decision on the final possession: https://t.co/g0l4MWiuna
"Down one, you've got one of our best playmakers to the rim, one of our best finishers at the rim, has the ball with Embiid standing in front of him," Ham said.
"I'll take that scenario every day of the week and twice on Sunday,” Ham continued.
Ham added that his team just needs to make sure to make stronger moves when finishing around the rim.
"We just got to finish the play. That's it. Make a harder, stronger move to the rim. That's it. It's as simple as that. And it just didn't work out," Ham said.
When asked to elaborate on his thoughts, Ham doubled down on his support for Westbrook.
"Just being down one point and the ball is in Russell Westbrook's hand, I'm comfortable with that. I don't know how much I can reiterate that. If it was Bron, it'd be the same thing," Ham said.
Luckily for Westbrook and the Lakers, they won’t have to wait long to get a chance to redeem themselves. LA will face Houston at home on Monday, the second night of a back-to-back. The Rockets (10-33 and 15th in the West) should provide an excellent opportunity for the Lakers to end their three-game losing streak.
Also read: LeBron James cuts an annoyed figure as LA Lakers lose close contest against 76ers