Postgame Interaction Between Jayson Tatum and Joel Embiid Goes Viral
The Philadelphia 76ers eliminated the Boston Celtics from playoff contention on Saturday night with a 109–100 win in Game 7, a game Jayson Tatum was forced to watch from the sideline.
Tatum was ruled out hours before tipoff due to knee stiffness after appearing visibly uncomfortable in the second half of Game 6, where he briefly exited the game before returning and later downplaying any concern in his postgame comments.
Boston ultimately chose to be cautious with him, especially with Tatum still less than a year removed from his Achilles injury. Despite strong efforts from Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, the Celtics struggled offensively, shooting just 40% from the field and 26% from three-point range as a team.
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After the game, Tatum made sure to show respect to 76ers star Joel Embiid, which drew a lot of attention on social media.
Some Celtics fans weren't thrilled with the friendly exchange so soon after a Game 7 loss at the hands of Embiid, who finished with 34 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, while also engaging in several back-and-forth moments with the Boston crowd at TD Garden throughout the contest.
Check it out:
"Imagine Bird sitting out Game 7 with a ‘sore knee' and then yucking it up with Magic or Barkley after losing," one fan said.
Another added: "What happened to running the fade on your opps? So we friendly with the enemy now? Say less."
A different user wrote: "I can't picture Garnett being this unaffected after a Game 7 loss, especially blowing a 3–1 lead to a seven seed."
"Bad look for JT," one fan shared.
One more commented: "Nah, this ain't it Tatum. Guy was running his mouth all series to JB and you're over here laughing and giggling with him after your team just got embarrassed."
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This story was originally published May 3, 2026 at 5:34 PM.