The NBA is renowned for its competitive matches, off-court banter, and clutch moments, as well as their players’ signature shoes and celebrity lifestyle. However, one of the most captivating aspects of the sport is its iconic post-score celebrations/gestures, such as Curry’s Night Night and LeBron James’ Silencer.
But perhaps 76ers guard center-forward Joel Embiid took it a tad too much when he executed a DX/Triple H “suck it” celebration on court, a gesture that’s been described as ‘obscene’ by the league.
The event came about with 2:14 left in the third quarter of the Philadelphia 76ers’ game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Embiid had just completed a two-point shot and, in a state of euphoria, was seen executing the chop movements around the crotch four times, a move known in WWE.
While the wrestling world had a good laugh at Embiid’s antics, the NBA didn’t. The following day, the league issued a statement stating that the Cameroonian MVP had been hit with a $35,000 fine for his vulgar celebration on TV.
Joel Embiid got fined for the DX chop.
DX still getting people in trouble after all of the years.
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) October 31, 2023
Via NBA Communications:
Oct 31, 2023—Philadelphia’s 76ers center Joel Embiid has been fined $35,000 for repeatedly making an obscene gesture on the playing court, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
The incident occurred with 2:14 remaining in the third quarter of the 76ers’ 126-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Oct. 29 at Wells Fargo Center.
The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/Rzp9vXCxhP
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) October 31, 2023
Triple H gets in touch
After suffering the consequences of his actions, Triple H reached out to Embiid via X, saying, “Hey @JoelEmbiid – I know a place where you can do that all day, and everyone will love it. @WrestleMania 40 is right there in Philly…”
In response, Embiid said, “Yes sir!! I would love to but I don’t think I’m gonna be in Philly for that… #NFL”
Yes sir!! I would love to but I don’t think I’m gonna be in Philly for that… #NFL https://t.co/1pEM4iaSTB
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) November 1, 2023
Embiid’s stats
Outside of the incident and the hefty fine, Embiid performed superbly once again, scoring 35 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, six blocked shots, and two steals in the game, as per Barrons.
“That’s my job, try to get better every single day,” the 29-year-old said. “It starts on defense, having that mentality to play it, lock down everything and block everything and offensively just trying to make the right plays.
Embiid further stated that despite their win, the team still has a long way to go.
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