Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Joel Embiid’s ongoing rivalry with French fans resurfaced on Saturday and did not go as planned.
French fans in Paris have regularly booed Embiid for choosing to play for Team USA over France. Embracing the hostile reception, Embiid encouraged the crowd to boo him as the seconds ticked down in Team USA’s 104-84 win over Puerto Rico.
He then attempted a deep three-pointer, aiming to make a statement, but ended up airballing the shot.
While Embiid likely won’t lose sleep over the miss, the crowd loved it. Such moves always carry a risk of backfiring, and although it didn’t impact the game’s outcome, the Philadelphia 76ers star probably wishes that shot had gone in.
Embiid has said he doesn’t mind the boos from French fans, but his actions show he’s certainly aware of them.