'Greatest miss in history': Joel Embiid almost hits NBA miracle
It's not often a missed shot in the regular season becomes newsworthy, but Joel Embiid's full-court prayer is the obvious exception.
The Philadelphia 76ers star launched the kind of shot that would make an NFL quarterback proud after grabbing the rebound from a Chris Paul missed free throw on Thursday.
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Embiid's shot sailed the length of the court, banking off the glass and almost going down after rattling in and out of the rim.
Had it gone down, it would have sent the game into overtime - however the Phoenix Suns escaped with a memorable 116-113 victory.
Embiid had just 0.8 seconds to grab the rebound and heave the shot, with the sheer strength required to make the shot impressing many NBA fans.
The 76ers star didn't need the buzzer-beater to record another strong performance in a losing effort, though.
He posted 38 points on 14-of-23 shooting (3-of-5 from deep) with 17 rebounds and four assists.
Making that shot would have given Embiid an MVP moment in a race with a crowded field, but alas, sometimes the laws of physics just don't go your way.
That was the greatest miss in the history of the NBA. Wow. #Embiid #Sixers
— Larry Dougherty (@Ldoc32) April 22, 2021
"Crazy shot. It looked like it went in and out. That's just unfortunate." Joel Embiid
Whew for #Suns.
"I don't know what to say about that shot. It's just one of those things that could've made for a really long flight, long night. Not a lot of sleep." Monty Williams.— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) April 22, 2021
feel like embiid should win mvp forever just for getting this to go halfway down https://t.co/zuexTLX3x5
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) April 22, 2021
Chris Paul said he was "absolutely" trying to make that second free throw. Said he's never seen anything like Joel Embiid almost making the 80-foot heave.
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) April 22, 2021
Joel Embiid just launched the most incredible missed shot I’ve ever seen.
— Cliff Brunt (@CliffBruntAP) April 22, 2021
Pacers forward suspended for headbutting Aussie star Patty Mills
Indiana Pacers forward JaKarr Sampson will miss a game after headbutting San Antonio Spurs guard Patty Mills earlier this week.
In a statement, the NBA said Sampson was suspended for escalating the situation. Sampson "furthered the altercation by aggressively confronting and headbutting Mills," the league's statement reads.
Mills and Spurs forward Rudy Gay were fined for their actions during the scuffle.
The incident started after Mills and Sampson collided during a rebound. On his way back down the court, Mills bumped into Sampson, who then pushed and made contact with Mills.
Both teams gathered around the confrontation. Gay came to Mills' defense and shoved Sampson, who was quickly removed from the situation by teammate Justin Holiday.
Sampson was charged with a flagrant foul 2 and was ejected from the contest.
Mills was fined $25,000 for his actions. Gay received a $20,000 fine for shoving Sampson.
The Spurs won the contest, 109-94.
Additional reporting from Yahoo Sports US
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