Joel Embiid kicked Nic Claxton after stepping over him during Brooklyn Nets vs Philadelphia 76ers NBA Playoff game on Thursday. The two sides locked horns in game 3 at the Barclays Center.

Early in the first quarter, Claxton took a step over Embiid only to see the Sixers star fall. The NBA MVP candidate then hit the Brooklyn center with a kick while laying on the ground.

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

Embiid was however not ejected. He was issued a Flagrant 1 and Claxton received a technical foul.

Watch the incident unfold:

Claxton seemed to be antagonising Embiid on purpose. The latter was having a dominant series. He was given a flagrant one foul with potential for the league to issue a suspension.

Several social media users questioned why Joel Embiid was not ejected.

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

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

Also Read | David Charvet: Net worth, age, wife Brooke Burke, career, family and more

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

Minutes later, Embiid injured his back and headed to the locker room. However, he was back soon. The star player’s kick incident took place two days after Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green was ejected from Game 2 vs the Sacramento Kings for stomping on Domantas Sabonis’ chest.

Sabonis was seen grabbing Green’s leg while down on the floor.

Embiid dominated in Game 2. He scored 20 points and 19 rebounds. He has a history of injuries in the postseason. Sixers fans would hope that he stays healthy and continues guiding the team in the playoffs vs Brooklyn Nets.