Reigning league MVP and Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been handed a $35,000 fine for repeatedly making an ‘obscene gesture’ while on the hardwood during their 126-98 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, the NBA announced on Tuesday night via Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations.
The 29-year-old six-time All-Star faulted with 2:14 minutes remaining in the third quarter when he made a two-point shot and was fouled by Blazers’ guard Malcolm Brogdon on October 29 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/Rzp9vXCxhP
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) October 31, 2023
Although Embiid missed the resulting free throw, he ended the game with game highs in points and rebounds, as he finished with 35 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, six blocks, and two steals in 29 minutes.
The Cameroon-born basketball star has begun the 2023-24 season in supreme fashion, averaging 31.0 points, 10.3 rebounds, 7.0 assists, and 3.0 blocks per game across his first three games of the season.