The New York Knicks took a commanding 3-1 series lead over the Philadelphia 76ers with a 97-92 victory, capturing the attention of fans including avid Knicks supporter, actor Ben Stiller.
Stiller actively tweeted during Sunday’s Game 4, particularly expressing his views on the ESPN commentary by Richard Jefferson regarding Joel Embiid’s treatment by referees.
Stiller took issue with Jefferson’s commentary, tweeting, “Richard Jefferson claiming Embiid doesn’t get calls, and doesn’t foul.” Jefferson responded directly to Stiller on social media, clarifying his remarks and engaging in a friendly back-and-forth.
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Jefferson replied to Stiller’s critique by saying, “Benjamin I love you, but that’s not what I said!”
To which Stiller responded, emphasizing his perspective, “Respect Richard. But Embiid gets SO many calls,” specifically referring to a foul attributed to [Nicolas] Batum during the game.
The exchange continued with Jefferson using a GIF of Stiller’s character from “Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” to lighten the mood, explaining, “So you were referencing when we THOUGHT it was on Embiid but the VIDEO and REFS showed it was on Batum and we corrected it and you were bothered by that? Ps… he does get a lot of calls as reigning MVP’s often do.”
Stiller also voiced his dissatisfaction with the officiating from Game 3, especially a contentious moment involving Embiid and Knicks player Mitchell Robinson, who missed Game 4 due to an ankle injury incurred during that incident. He shared a quote from The Athletic’s Fred Katz questioning whether Embiid would have been ejected in a regular-season game, suggesting MVP status and playoff context might influence decisions.
Stiller argued during his discussion with Jefferson that Embiid should have been ejected, a point on which Jefferson, who wasn’t broadcasting that particular game, agreed in hindsight.
As the series heads back to New York for Game 5, the Knicks look to capitalize on their home-court advantage to secure a spot in the next round, with fans like Stiller eagerly watching and commenting every step of the way.
