Team USA is now getting ready for real competition since the Olympic training camp is over. Before heading to the main Paris Olympics, the team faced off against Canada in their first of five exhibition games.
Excitingly, they started their preparations on a strong note, securing an 86-72 victory over Canada. While the team’s performance impressed fans, Joel Embiid’s debut left much to be desired.
Embiid had a lackluster showing in their first exhibition match, even though Team USA won brilliantly. After playing for only 12 minutes, the 30-year-old center fouled out due to his inability to make an impression. From the beginning of the game, it was clear that the 30-year-old was having trouble scoring.
Philadelphia 76ers center seemed to have trouble keeping up with Canada’s pace, especially with Dwight Powell giving him a hard time. The referee wasn’t cutting him any slack compared to NBA games, leading him to commit several fouls out of frustration. The tipping point came when he elbowed Dwight Powell in the face, resulting in a flagrant foul called by the referee. His frustration was evident as he asked the referee, “I CAN’T BE PHYSICAL?!”
Although Embiid had hoped for a better night, he ended up being called for five fouls in one practice match. His final stats were 5 points, 6 boards, 2 assists, and 3 turnovers..
Joel Embiid Shares His Thoughts on Facing France at Paris Olympics
Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, was very excited to play for Team USA for the first time. On the first day of training camp, he was asked if he was worried that French fans might boo him because he got a French passport last year.
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Despite this, he decided to play for Team USA in the star-studded Paris Olympics, knowing that he might get in trouble for it. When asked about how people might react to him, Embiid said, “I don’t think it should be anything, but if it’s more than that, I embrace it. I don’t think you can get worse than playing in New York in the playoffs.”
