Houston coach calls out Joel Embiid, ‘crazy’ foul by 76ers
The Houston Rockets ended their three-game winning streak at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers in overtime128-122, at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Thursday.
The Rockets fell despite a big game from Kevin Durant, who poured in 36 points, including five 3-pointers, seven rebounds and three assists. However, he also had eight turnovers.
Duo of Joel Embiid and Tyrese McKay led the 76ers. Embiid had a triple-double of 32 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, while Maxey finished with 36 points, 10 assists and three steals.
The Rockets seemed to ease up in the second quarter, but the Sixers stormed back to take a 68-61 halftime lead. Houston assistant coach Royal Ivey said Embiid took too many free throws.
“Embiid shoots nine free throws in that half. The hype is crazy right now,” Ivey said in an interview.
“We just have to be more disciplined, (not) showing our hands when he’s trying to pass.”
“(Joel) Embiid shoots 9 free throws in that half. Foul-baiting is crazy right now. … He just wants to play offense right now. Let him guard it.”
Assistant coach Royal Ivy on the Sixers star heading into halftime 😳pic.twitter.com/2njob5Kac7
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 23, 2026
Ivey, who played for the 76ers from 2008-10 and 2012-13, added that they had to make Embiid work harder on the other end to take control of the game.
“Just keep driving him. Make him play defense on the other end. He just wants to play offense right now. Let him guard,” Ivey said.
Their plan backfired, as Embiid continued to dominate the Rockets in the second half, despite making just three free throws after the break.
The Rockets also benefited from officiating after the refs missed an obvious goaltending call on Kevin Durant on Maxi’s layup, which should have won the game for the Sixers in regulation.
2026-01-23 03:31:00
