Russell Westbrook says Joel Embiid fouled him on botched final possession

LOS ANGELES – For the second game in a row, the Los Angeles Lakers have failed to close out a clutch-winnable game. And for the second game in a row, the Lakers were left lamenting a foul they believed was not called that impacted the result.

After a 113-112 loss to Philadelphia on Sunday, Russell Westbrook made a comeback when Sixers center Joel Embiid was attempting a potentially game-winning layup with the Lakers guard with three seconds remaining. , claimed to have grabbed his arm in LA’s final offensive possession.

“I was trying to raise my hand,” Westbrook later explained. [Embiid] I was grabbing But it’s all good. ”

Westbrook shared a screenshot of his cell phone that appeared to show Embiid’s left hand grabbing Westbrook’s right wrist as the 2017 league MVP began an offensive dribble toward the basket. I showed it to the group.

The official box score came as Sixers forward Georges Niang blocked Westbrook’s shot attempt with 3.0 seconds remaining, and Embiid scored a defensive rebound with 1.0 seconds left to corral a loose ball before the buzzer sounded. concluded the match.

Embiid disagreed with Westbrook’s take on the sequence.

“I don’t think I fouled him,” Embiid said. “Physical play on both sides. I was able to call a foul on the bump on the other side, so it goes both ways.”

Then, in typical Embiid fashion, the Philadelphia big man delivered his version of events with a few wink winks.

“They were pushing the ball in transition and he was in front of me, so I waved to everyone else. I believe I’m a great defender, so I believe anyone can stop me. said Embiid. “[Westbrook] He was really unlucky because he lost the ball.

“Yeah, I’d say bad luck.”

The Lakers’ three-game losing streak, following a double-overtime loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, has dropped LA to 19-24 and 13th in the 15-team Western Conference.

“It’s just frustrating,” LeBron James said. “We got to those positions and couldn’t get a win….” We’re playing good basketball. We’re just not winning games.”

Lakers coach Durbin Hamm adjusted his decision not to call a timeout with 13.1 seconds remaining when Westbrook rebounded an Embiid mistake on the defensive end, and Westbrook took the final possession in place of James. defended both facts.

“One down, one of the best playmakers in the rim, one of the best finishers in the rim, has the ball and Embiid is in front of him,” Hamm said. runs that scenario every day, twice on Sundays.

“You have to finish the play. That’s it. Move harder, harder towards the rim. That’s it. It’s as simple as that. And it didn’t work.”

Anthony Davis (right leg stress reaction), Patrick Beverley (non-coronavirus illness), Austin Reeves (left hamstring strain), Lonnie Walker IV (left knee tendonitis) all out before the game. As a result, Hamm had only two automatic men, leaving James and Westbrook in the closing lineup.

The finish reflects a late-game situation when the Lakers lost to the Portland Trail Blazers and LA Clippers this season, and the opposing team’s center guarded Westbrook during crunch time and Westbrook couldn’t capitalize on it. Nevertheless, Ham doubled down on his support. point guard.

“Just one point behind and the ball is in Russell Westbrook’s hands. I’m happy with that. I don’t know how many times I can repeat that. If it’s Bron, same thing. “It’s a shame we lost. And it’s a shame we couldn’t close out the match. But definitely Russ with Embiid standing in front of him.” I have the ball in my hands and knocked one down.I have confidence in my players.” And that will never change.We have to play better.

The ending ruined an otherwise great night for Westbrook personally and the Lakers as a team. Westbrook tallied his 20 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists, his fourth triple-double of his career and the most triple-doubles ever for a substitute.

James went 15-for-23 for 35 points, had 10 assists and 8 rebounds, and passed the 38,000-point mark in his career. He became the youngest player ever to score a goal and Kareem he became his second player behind Abdul. -Jabbar is his NBA all-time scoring leader with 38,387 points.

“The best thing about this league is that you get a chance to redeem yourself very quickly,” James succinctly said in his post-game remarks.

“We have one more tomorrow and we have to be ready to play against a young, fast and energetic Houston Rockets team.