The first round took place on the court. The second round took place on social media.
Sixers center Joel Embiid and Timberwolves big man Karl-Anthony Towns were both ejected Wednesday night after going at it during the third quarter of Philly’s 117-95 win over Minnesota in the City of Brotherly Love.
Embiid then continued the fight on Twitter.
“Great team win!!!”the two-time All-Star tweeted. “I was raised around lions and a cat pulled on me tonight lmao.. Got his mama giving middle fingers left and right. That’s some SERIOUS REAL ESTATE #FightNight #IAintNoBitch
Then came the NSFW haymaker.
“That tough guy act ain’t cutting it … you know what you are.. you know what you’ve always been>>> A P—Y (SAY IT LOUDER FOR PEOPLE IN THE BACK) Been kicking your ass and pretty please make the playoffs before you talk. It’s a known thing that I OWN YOU. @KarlTowns
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Towns, himself a two-time All-Star, fired back with: “I aIN’t nO BiTcH.”
The NBA is reviewing the incident and both players could face possible suspension.
Although the skirmish was more wrestling and rolling around then stand-up-and-brawl, the officials ruled it a fight.
“We deemed the altercation a fight,” ref Mark Ayotte told a pool reporter after the game. “Therefore, by rule, they’re both ejected. I just saw them each lock arms. And that escalated to the fight.”
Unfortunately, for fight — um, hoops — fans, the two teams don’t tangle again until March. But check social media for the pre-game hype.