Joel Embiid kicking Nic Claxton took fans back to when Draymond Green was ejected for a similar incident in Game 2 vs the Sacramento Kings. The Philadelphia 76ers star however escaped with a Flagrant 1.

Embiid, playing against the Brooklyn Nets in Game 3, fell down. He was clearly being antagonised by Nic Claxton. The NBA MVP candidate while lying on the floor kicked his opponent in the groin. The 29-year-old did not face ejection but was given a Flagrant Foul penalty 1.

Also read: Did Jacque Vaughn ask Nets players to ‘hit’ Embiid during playoff game vs 76ers?

Claxton received a technical foul.

Only two days ago, Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors was ejected for an apparent stamp on the chest of Sacramento forward Domantas Sabonis. Stephen Curry and co lost 106-114.

Social media users questioned why Embiid was not ejected.

“You’re gonna tell me Embiid kick was not unnecessary AND excessive?! @NBAOfficial,” a Twitter user asked.

“can’t believe they didn’t call a flagrant 2 on embiid. that should’ve been an automatic ejection!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” another one added.

“No ejection and one game suspension for Embiid?? Alright man,” a third one tweeted.

Also read: Joel Embiid injury updates: Will the Philadelphia 76ers star miss games after sustaining back injury vs Brooklyn Nets

Joel Embiid, later in the game, suffered a back injury. The Sixers player returned to the locker room before returning.

After being ejected, Draymond Green defended himself. He cited a similar incident in Game 1 of the series that involved Sacramento’s Malik Monk.

Also read: Embiid kicks Nic Claxton after stepping over him during Nets vs 76ers: Watch

“My leg got grabbed. The second time in two nights with the referees just watching. I got to land my foot somewhere and I am not the most flexible person, so it’s not stretching that far. I can only step so far and pulling my leg away, so it is what it is,” Green told reporters.

“The explanation was I stomped too hard. It was Monk last game so either you’re going to stop it. (Referee) John Goble was looking at Monk hold my leg the last game and he just let it go, and Zach (Zarba) was clearly watching my leg get held this game and let it go, so I guess ankle grabbing is okay,” he added.