Tiki Barber criticises Joel Embiid over playoff physicality complaints

5 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 5

On WFAN after Philadelphia's 137-98 Game 1 loss to New York, Barber said Embiid should not play hurt if contact around his recently operated abdomen is a problem.
Embiid spoke after Mikal Bridges hit him in the midsection while fighting through a screen, saying the contact was unnecessary but also part of playoff basketball.
The exchange comes as the Knicks and 76ers meet in a bruising postseason series, with Embiid's emergency appendectomy and his public reputation shaping reactions to his comments.

Does an NFL player's standard for toughness apply to an NBA star recovering from recent major surgery?

Why was Embiid praised for his grit one week, only to be shamed for his pain the next?

Is the 'play through pain' culture in sports toxic or a necessary part of championship grit?