The hottest gift of the season in Philly is technical fouls — and it seems everyone is getting them.
Andrew Drummond and Joel Embiid were ejected in the first half of the 76ers’ 111-106 win over the Spurs on Monday night, resulting in some bizarre scenes from Wells Fargo Center.
Drummond received a technical for shoving San Antonio center Victor Wembanyama to the floor while trying to get defensive position, and then earned a second one moments later from official Jenna Schroeder when Wembanyama tripped as they jostled in the paint, earning the Philly big man an ejection.
ICYMI: the full Wemby-Drummond drama pic.twitter.com/MeyMCjr56Q
— WembyMuse (@Wemby_Muse) December 24, 2024
Referees, however, rescinded Drummond’s second tech, deeming he stepped on Wembanyama’s foot — saying it was “incidental contact,” per the postgame officials’ pool report — allowing the veteran to make his way back from the locker room and onto the court — to the delight of fans in the arena.
“The whole thing was really strange,” 76ers coach Nick Nurse said.
Wembanyama himself wasn’t exactly sure why the fould was called, either.
“Just stepped on my foot and I fell,” said Wembanyama, who had 26 points, nine rebounds and eight blocks. “That’s it. I just got tripped. I didn’t mean to fall. I didn’t expect the foul to be called. I just fell.”
Andre Drummond #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks at the scoreboard after being ejected from the game during the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at the Wells Fargo Center. Getty ImagesAs time wound down in the half, however, Embiid added a foul to his ledger for a charge against Wembanyama with 2:59 left in the half.
The seven-time All-Star then added a technical by arguing the call by Schroeder — who tacked on a second almost immediately.
Not that he went without a fight — the Cameroon native had to be restrained as he attempted to plead his case with Schroeder.
Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers argues a call with referee Jenna Schroeder #20. Getty ImagesWEMBY DRAWS A CHARGE ON EMBIID
— WembyMuse (@Wemby_Muse) December 24, 2024
THEN EMBIID GETS EJECTED FOR COMPLAINING pic.twitter.com/nxSf2OklJA
According to crew chief Curtis Blair, Embiid got close to Schroeder and made incidental contact.
It marked the second ejection of his career.
Embiid’s night ended with nine points, three rebounds, two blocks and an assist to pair with his technicals.
76ers center Joel Embiid (21) argues with referee Jenna Schroeder (20) and is ejected on a second technical foul. Bill Streicher-Imagn ImagesDrummond didn’t get to finish out the night on the court, either, exiting with a contusion to his big left toe.
That left Tyrese Maxey to carry out the victory, with the guard posting 32 points for Philly.
