The Philadelphia 76ers are still without Paul George, who's serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. That’s left Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to shoulder the load-and so far, they’re doing more than just holding the line.
Saturday’s matchup against the Phoenix Suns was a prime example. Not only did Philly walk away with a hard-fought 109-103 win, but the game also delivered a flash of playoff-level intensity, headlined by a heated exchange between Embiid and Suns star Devin Booker.
The tension started brewing during the first half and came to a boil as both teams headed into the locker room. Booker, clearly fired up, had some words for Embiid-words that were caught on camera and quickly made the rounds on social media. The Suns guard could be heard saying, “I got all ball,” in a not-so-PG tone, clearly referencing a physical play that Embiid may have sold a little too well for Booker’s liking.
Both players were eventually hit with technical fouls for their interaction, a move by the officials to keep things from boiling over. But make no mistake-this wasn’t just about trash talk. It was about two elite competitors refusing to back down.
And while the verbal fireworks grabbed headlines, Embiid let his game do plenty of talking too. The reigning MVP poured in 33 points on 9-of-19 shooting, including a sharp 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.
He added nine rebounds and three assists, and was nearly automatic from the line, hitting 11 of his 13 free throws. In short, Embiid was a problem-again.
Booker did his best to match that energy, leading the Suns with 28 points, along with two rebounds and two assists. But it wasn’t enough to overcome the Sixers, who continue to find ways to win without one of their marquee offseason additions.
After the game, Booker addressed the dust-up with Embiid, offering a glimpse into the mutual respect that exists beneath the surface. “I told him he’s too good of a player to be flopping like that,” Booker said.
“We had Olympic experience together. So, somebody I have high respect for, and (it’s) just competition.”
That last part is key: just competition. In a league where emotions can run high, especially in nationally spotlighted matchups, these kinds of exchanges aren’t unusual.
They’re part of what makes the NBA so compelling. The passion, the pride, the pushback-it’s all part of the game.
And as long as it stays within bounds, it’s a sign that the players care. Deeply.
This wasn’t the first time Embiid has had to navigate the fine line between celebration and provocation. In a recent game against the Lakers, he held back during a big moment to avoid a fine.
This time, he and Booker let the emotions show. And while there’s always a risk when tempers flare, the league typically understands the difference between genuine animosity and competitive fire.
So, while Paul George’s absence continues to loom, the Sixers are proving they’re more than capable of staying in the fight. And if Saturday’s showdown was any indication, they’re not backing down from anyone-trash talk and all.