Joel Embiid acquired a vicious outpour of boos from the French crowd throughout Saturday’s USA-Puerto Rico matchup within the 2024 Paris Summer time Olympics, and the seven-time All-Star embraced the unwelcoming reception at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
“Lots of people see it as hate,” Embiid stated, per Tim Reynolds of the Related Press. “I see it as love and respect. If I wasn’t an OK basketball participant, I’d not obtain that kind of therapy. So, I see myself as being blessed and that is why I work together with that kind of crowd and that kind of stuff. I am blessed to be right here, and I’ve seen worse. I’ve performed in worse environments. It is nothing I have never seen earlier than.”
Staff USA dealt with its enterprise by defeating Puerto Rico, 104-83, and clinched the No. 1 seed getting into the quarterfinals. Embiid scored 15 factors on 6-of-14 taking pictures with three rebounds, two assists and two blocks in just below 23 minutes. However because the clock started winding down within the closing seconds of USA’s victory, and Embiid had the ball close to middle courtroom, the 1000’s of French followers in attendance turned up their quantity knobs and amplified their boos. In response, Embiid started instigating the gang with gestures difficult their boos earlier than taking the trolling a step additional by heaving a deep 3-pointer from close to half-court distance — and airballing.
Embiid’s embarrassing Stephen Curry impression instantly modified the tone of the gang, incomes the Philadelphia 76ers star his first cheers of regulation. Not one of the antics got here as a shock to Embiid who selected to play for Staff USA as a substitute of Staff France — Embiid was born in Cameroon, however gained French citizenship in 2022. The 30-year-old was simply one of many many vibrant stars who fled towards LeBron James as soon as the NBA’s all-time main scorer introduced he’d partake within the Olympic festivities final offseason. Contemplating Embiid’s postseason success does not develop very far – he’s by no means reached the Jap Convention finals — it is easy to grasp why he’d latch for Gold Medal as a substitute.
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“It was a troublesome determination, however it’s all about consolation degree, and like I stated, I’ve recognized these guys (Staff USA gamers) for a very long time and I simply felt extra snug than on the opposite aspect (France),” Embiid defined, per Joe Vardon of The Athletic. “… Consolation degree was big. I at all times say I’ll be the place I am wished and these guys wished me.”
Embiid and Staff USA will subsequent cross paths with Brazil on Tuesday.
