Coach Thibodeau Reinflames Knicks-76ers Tensions After Kelly Oubre Jr’s “This Ain’t WWE” Resolution

The tension regarding Joel Embiid‘s ‘controversial’ grab on New York Knicks‘ Mitchell Robinson has not stopped accumulating heat. After individual comments from many Knicks players and Embiid, Tom Thibodeau had his opinion too. While taking a subtle dig at the referees, he admitted his team wouldn’t shy away from a physical game.

“The No. 1 job of an official is to control and manage the game. So when there’s stuff like that going on, that’s their job. But look, We don’t mind physical,” he said. He made his comments soon after the 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. commented that he did not find Embiid’s move dirty and that the latter had to “protect himself” during the game.

Further talking about the graveness of the issue and taking cognizance of the on-court scuffle, Oubre added, “Go out there and play hard. Nobody is gonna fight. This ain’t WWE.” The reaction from the Philadelphia guard to the controversy confirms that the team is not taking it too seriously. However, there’s a reason behind the same. Oubre mentioned in his response how such activities are initiated from both sides usually. It looks like the Phillies retaliated for Tyrese Maxey’s foul from Game 2, which the referee did not call.

 

Kelly Oubre Jr on Joel Embiid’s foul on Mitchell Robinson:

“I’ve seen that happen before, though, and I was on the other end of it. At the end of the day, I don’t think it’s dirty…Let’s just hoop, let’s go out there and play hard. Nobody finna fight. This ain’t WWE.” pic.twitter.com/ibzyx0VtES

— Sam DiGiovanni (@BySamDiGiovanni) April 27, 2024

Though the Sixers seem calm about the incident as it brought them victory, the Knicks coach might strike with his team again. Tom Thibodeau also revealed how he is putting mishaps from Game 2 and Game 3 on different scales. “I’m not a journalist, but if I were a journalist, I’d write a couple things. …I think the consistency–look at that play and then look at the Josh Hart play in Chicago,” TT admitted. The Knicks’ coach completely subdued Oubre’s opinion on the issue, who had a major health and life scare because of a car accident just before Game 3!

An unusual week for Knicks-Sixers and Kelly Oubre so far!

Oubre has been blasting off the opponents with his performances, along with Embiid and Tyrese Maxey scoring. In Game 3, the Sixers shooting guard scored 15 rebounds, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. However, it was not a normal week for Oubre Jr. as he crashed his Lamborghini. He came out safe and sound as he updated the press about his health after the third game. The Sixers guard revealed that he did not sustain any injury and was doing fine. Shockingly, this isn’t the first time he’s been involved in a dangerous accident.

Jan 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr. (9) dunks the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

In November, Oubre Jr. sustained rib injuries after he was a victim in a hit-and-run. He ended up missing several games for 76ers. While it’s heartbreaking to imagine if that had happened now, it’s important to note the Sixers are 7-7 in his absence. This 14-game sample set was enough to prove that the No.9’s team needs him badly, especially as we have a physical contest on our hands.

Rolling back to the series, the Knicks still lead by a single win and the pendulum can still swing either way. Do you have any predictions or comments on the entire Embiid-Robinson saga? Let us know in the comments below.

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