Embiid questions officiating disparity in Knicks' 3-0 lead

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid questioned officiating after the New York Knicks took a 3-0 lead in their Eastern Conference semifinal series with a Game 3 victory on May 8, 2026, at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Embiid highlighted the Knicks' 32 free-throw attempts to the 76ers' 16. "I guess it’s good when New York wins," he said.

Embiid expanded on the disparity, noting the 76ers' style of play relies on drives to the basket rather than three-pointers. "Maybe (some potential fouls) was let go or not. They shot 32 free throws, we had 16. We’re not a team that shoots a lot of 3s. We attack, put the ball on the ground. I don’t know," he said. He advised his team to avoid fouls and positions that opponents could exploit.

Knicks fans filled sections of the Philadelphia arena despite the 76ers' efforts to restrict ticket sales to local buyers and donate hundreds to first responders. Embiid had urged supporters not to sell tickets to New Yorkers before the series. Celebrities including Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller and Spike Lee attended among the visiting crowd.

The Knicks host a potential closeout Game 4 on Sunday in Philadelphia.