Andre Drummond to Joel Embiid: ‘See You December 2nd’
Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid had defensive criticism for Andre Drummond following the Detroit Pistons loss. Now, the Detroit big man responds.
The Detroit Pistons were dealt a close loss Monday, falling 97-86 to the Philadelphia 76ers. Arguably the most vocal of NBA players on social media, Joel Embiid had some words about Pistons’ center Andre Drummond following the win.
He spoke with Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey about his matchup with Drummond, which he did not find challenging defensively.
"“Defensively, he doesn’t play any defense. When we started the game, he was being aggressive and he was talking, too.”"
This comes as no surprise, as the Pistons big man is infamous for his trash talking on the court.
Embiid used it as motivation and responded in turn, shooting 11-15 from the field on 30 points.
"“So I was like (in my mind), ‘You want to do that? I’m going to kick your (butt) then.’ So that’s what I did.”"
Drummond spoke with Rod Beard of the The Detroit News after practice on Tuesday, where he denied giving Embiid any special treatment.
"“Everybody knows me — I talk (trash) to everybody; it’s just what I do. I don’t say anything extra to anybody. I talk the same to everybody, whether you’re my friend or anybody else.”"
The Detroit Pistons will play the Philadelphia 76ers again on December 2nd, and one half of these big men is looking forward to it:
https://twitter.com/AndreDrummond/status/922827403889651712
After trash talking him on the court, Drummond admitted that guarding Embiid is no easy task.
"“You never know what you’re going to get when you’re guarding him. You never know if he’s going to turn and face-up and shoot or drive the basketball.”"
It didn’t help that this was his first time playing the 76ers big man. Embiid has been in the league for three years and played only 34 games.
"“When you only see him on film, you don’t know what it’s like to actually play him. That first half was tough to get adjusted to him, but the second half, I did a better job on him.”"
It’s worth noting that Embiid was forced into 7 of the 76ers 21 total turnovers, despite his high shooting percentage.
Head coach Stan Van Gundy noted that Drummond what he could on defense, which is more than Embiid gave him credit for.
"“Andre prevented him from getting the ball several times and got some steals on entry passes.”"
For now, fans will sit idly by and await the rematch only weeks down the road. In the meanwhile, Detroit will host the Minnesota Timberwolves later tonight.
It will be another test defensively for Drummond, who will be matched up with another young center in Karl-Anthony Towns.
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