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76ers' Joel Embiid Fined $75K for Obscene Gesture During Christmas Win vs. Celtics

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIDecember 28, 2024

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a foul during the first quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden on December 25, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Brian Fluharty/Getty Images

The NBA has fined Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid $75,000 for making an obscene gesture during the first half of his team's 118-114 road win over the Boston Celtics on Christmas Day.

NBA Communications @NBAPR

The following has been released by the NBA. <a href="https://t.co/TaIkZWbfeO">pic.twitter.com/TaIkZWbfeO</a>

Embiid has notably paid homage to the legendary wrestling stable D-Generation X in the past by emulating its infamous chop, and it's possible that his could have gotten him in trouble here.

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin

Joel Embiid finishes through contact while drawing a foul. The big fella then brought out the DX "suck it" chop leading to a Celtics timeout. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sixers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sixers</a>

The big man was notably fined $35,000 for performing the same move on Oct. 29, 2023 against the Portland Trail Blazers.

Embiid also had another gesture after hitting a three to close the first half. His shot gave the 76ers a 66-58 lead.

ESPN @espn

Embiid cashes from three before halftime 💰<br><br>Philly up 66-58 on Boston 🔔 <a href="https://t.co/WVdpF0L1Vh">pic.twitter.com/WVdpF0L1Vh</a>

Embiid also waved goodbye to Celtics fans as the 76ers were closing out the win.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

Embiid waves goodbye to Boston fans as Philly walks away with the Christmas win 🎄 <a href="https://t.co/c0AQWDeebj">pic.twitter.com/c0AQWDeebj</a>

For the night, Embiid posted 27 points and nine rebounds to give the 76ers a much-needed victory. It's been a tumultuous season for the team, which sits 12th in the Eastern Conference with an 11-17 record.

Embiid has missed most of the season with left knee injury management, and he also sat three games after shoving a reporter during a postgame locker room altercation stemming from an article.

He's back and healthy now, though, and the 76ers have won eight of their last 11. A road game against the Utah Jazz on Saturday is up next.