May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks up after missing a foul shot against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter of game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks up after missing a foul shot against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter of game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Shaquille O'Neal offered a rare salute to Joel Embiid following the Philadelphia 76ers' Game 7 victory over the Boston Celtics. In a league where comparisons are constant, this acknowledgement stood out as a powerful nod from one dominant era to another.
May 4, 2026, following the Game 7 win of the Philadelphia 76ers against the Boston Celtics, Shaq pointed out Joel Embiid’s performances and overall impact.
On ‘Inside the NBA,’ Shaq said, “Joel Embiid, I’m not going to say anything about Joel Embiid. Turn the camera on me. That’s what I got to say about Joel Embiid. Give me my camera. Camera one. Hurry up. (Gives two thumbs up and a wink).”
Apr 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) in the second quarter during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Apr 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots the ball against Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) in the second quarter during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
“He knows what that means. I know you and your son watching. That’s what I’m talking about. From the Lord Supreme of the Big Man Alliance, I salute you, big man. You play like a real big man,” Shaq added.
The 2026 NBA Playoffs saw Joel Embiid lead the Philadelphia 76ers to victory after he recovered from an emergency appendectomy. Embiid returned to play in Game 4 after he missed the first round against the Boston Celtics because of an injury that forced him to leave the game.
The player achieved a 28.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists average over the four upcoming games, which enabled his team to take control of the series.
He scored 33 points in Game 5 to help the Sixers continue their season before delivering a remarkable 34-point, 12-rebound, and 6-assist display in Game 7 at TD Garden.
His interior dominance powered Philadelphia to a 109-100 victory, which completed a historic 3-1 series comeback and secured a second-round matchup against the New York Knicks.
And as the dust settled on the series, the losing side wasn't staying quiet.
Jaylen Brown Calls Out Joel Embiid and NBA Refs After Playoff Exit
After the Game 7 loss of the Boston Celtics, Jaylen Brown criticized both Joel Embiid and the NBA officiating, accusing referees of having an “agenda” against him.
While Brown acknowledged Embiid’s talent, he claimed the 76ers star “flops way too much,” drawing fouls through body contact.
Brown said. “Credit to the 76ers, credit to Joel Embiid. I still think he flops way too much. Drawing fouls is fine. I don’t complain about nobody drawing fouls. Flopping and exaggerating contact is different.”
The frustration came after Boston blew a 3-1 series lead, with Embiid playing a significant role in the comeback.
Brown's remarks sparked renewed debate regarding officiating and player flopping.
However, it is an end for the Celtics, and the 76ers are headed to face the New York Knicks in the next round.
Can the Philadelphia 76ers beat the New York Knicks like the Boston Celtics? Comment Down!
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Written by
Hetal Moleshri
Edited by
Utsav Gupta