It’s no secret that Joel Embiid and Russell Westbrook don’t like each other. The two have had beef for almost four years now, dating back to when Russ played in OKC.
With the Sixers opening up the first round of the playoffs today against the Washington Wizards, I’m sure that beef will carry over into this series.
So to add some fuel to the fire, I thought it’d be fun to take a look back at every time Embiid and Westbrook got into it.
Enjoy.
2016
Westbrook gets flipped off by Sixers fan (October 26, 2016)
To truly look back on Russell Westbrook’s history with the Sixers, one needs to go all the way back to Joel Embiid’s debut. Although the two didn’t get into it during Embiid’s first career game, Russ still found a way to piss off the Wells Fargo crowd, creating a lasting incident and perfect meme for this series.
2017
Russ Waves Embiid Goodbye (December 15, 2017)
This is where the rivalry was truly created. Both team’s went basket for basket in this one with Jojo and Russ leading the way for both their teams. The game was a classic back and forth as it would take triple overtime to decide a winner.
With 2:12 remaining in the third overtime, Steven Adams would foul out, prompting Embiid to do what he does best in getting the home crowd involved. Embiid would wave goodbye to Adams as he exited the game, which rubbed Westbrook and the rest of the Thunder the wrong way. The Thunder would end up winning the game, 119-117, on the back of Westbrook’s 27 pts/17 rebs/15 asts triple-double.
As the game came to a close, Westbrook would avenge the fouled out Adams, waving at Embiid as he walked off the court, telling him to “go home”. The two would jaw back and forth before exiting the court, leaving a bitter taste in Sixers fan’s mouths.
After the game, both Embiid and Westbrook would address the situation and thus the rivalry was born.
2018
Embiid Dunks on Westbrook/Russ Stare Down (January 28, 2018)
Fast-forward a year later and the Embiid vs Westbrook beef would pick up right where it left off, this time in OKC.
With 7:39 remaining in the first quarter, Embiid would get the action started early, driving the lane and yamming on Westbrook’s head as the point guard tried to take a charge. Embiid would stare down Westbrook after the dunk, showing that he still didn’t forgot about their last meeting.
However, this would only fuel the Brodie as he responded to the poster by posting 37 points, 14 asts, and 9 rebs, leading to an OKC win. Just like the last matchup between the two, this one would include some antics at the end with Russ getting the last laugh.
Up by 10 with 20 seconds left, Westbrook would stand just past half court and dribble the clock out. As he stood there, he locked eyes with Embiid on the bench, staring down Jojo until the clock ran out. With nothing else for Embiid to do, he laughed it off with Ben Simmons and headed to the locker room.
After the game, Joel would take to Instagram, posting the poster he had on Westbrook with the location “Crime Scene Investigation.”
2019
Embiid’s Hard Foul on Westbrook (January 19, 2019)
Now a third year into the feud, there was still no love lost between the two superstars.
After a turnover by JJ Redick, Westbrook and the Thunder went on a fast break. Joel Embiid matched Westbrook stride for stride down the court and went up for the block. Unfortunately for Westbrook, he lost the ball going up for the layup, causing him to be in no man’s land underneath the basket.
Embiid was already in the air by the time Russ lost the ball, causing a collision between the two. Since Embiid already committed to the block, he had no other option but to land on Westbrook and take the hit. The hard foul shook Westbrook up a bit as he laid on the ground in pain for a second before getting up and charging at Embiid in frustration.
Although Embiid sorta shoves him during his fall, Westbrook had no business trying to go after Embiid as there really was nothing JoJo could do. A common foul was addressed to Embiid for the incident. The Sixers would go on to lose to the Thunder, 117-115, after Paul George converted a four point play with 5.1 seconds left.
The beef continued after the game when both were asked about the altercation:
Joel’s Response (Russ always in his feelings)
Westbrook’s Response (We are not cool)
2021
Although their beef is still presumably there, nothing really has happened between the two during their three meetings this year. The Sixers won all three games against the Wizards, however each matchup had its own storyline after the contest.
- The first game was the Sixers home-opener and Westbrook’s debut with the Wizards.
- The second game was the Bradley Beal show, as he dropped 60 points in the high scoring nail bitter.
- And the third game Joel Embiid went out with a scary injury that sidelined him for over 20 games.
Now, I’m not saying expect to see a fight or something crazy during this series, but more often than not, the Sixers and Wizards create headlines with their matchups.
This series is going to be a good one and now that you’re all caught up with their history, all eyes will be on Joel and Russ as they continue their rivalry in the first round of the playoffs.
The Sixers and the Wizards tip-off at 1 p.m..
Catch that game on TV on TNT or listen to it on the radio at 97.5 The Fanatic.
